(Yicai Global) March 15 -- Bordeaux wines exported to China hit a new high last year as what could become the world's second-largest wine market retained its crown as the largest overseas market for wines produced in the southwestern French city.

Exports to China totaled EUR377 million (USD476 million) in 2017, making up 20 percent of the total, state-owned news agency Xinhua reported, citing data from the Bordeaux Wine Bureau. Total outbound sales tallied 290 million bottles, or EUR2 billion, with Asia capturing a 45 percent share.

China is a very important market for Bordeaux wine, said Aaron Sichel, president of the bureau. As Chinese consumers' understanding and appreciation of wine has deepened in recent years, sales to the country have increased significantly, he added.

International Wine & Spirit Research, which organizes the world's leading industry exhibition Vinexpo, forecast in March last year that China would become the second largest wine market by 2020. It predicted Chinese consumption would total USD22 billion, bumping the United Kingdom into third and gaining ground on the United States, which is set to be sitting comfortably ahead with sales of USD39 billion.

More and more Chinese consumers want to learn about wine, and professional networks have helped spread knowledge and skills, Sichel added, saying these progressions have helped the market mature.

Bordeaux is facing stiffer competition in China as other winemaking regions, such as Australia, Spain and Chile, turn their eye to the Asian nation. Sichel hopes Bordeaux wines will continue to win favor in the country with their rich variety and quality.