Lafite Rothschild most popular Liv-ex brand

The Liv-ex 100 fine wine index, an electronic market place for wine, has increased 39.2% in 2007.

Key index data from January to December 2007 showed the Liv-ex 500 was also up 27% meaning it outperformed gold, which saw 23.1% growth for the same period.

A brainchild of former stockbrokers James Miles and Justin Gibbs, the company has seen international demand drive growth over the last 12 months.

Founding director Miles explained: "China and Russia have been big drivers of demand in 2007.

"Despite the credit crunch, growing demand and stable supply will underpin fine wine prices."

Next year's big theme will be the 2005 French vintage, which is one of the best of recent years and will cause a tremendous excitement upon its arrival in the UK, Miles added.

Top 10 brand rank 2007

1.) Lafite Rothschild
2.) Latour
3.) Ausone
4.) Margaux
5.) Mouton Rothschild
6.) Haut Brion
7.) Mission Haut Brion
8.) Petrus
9.) Cheval Blanc
10.) Pin