Wines of the week: Why not experiment with something very different this Christmas?
Sticking with traditional wines at Christmas? Bah, humbug! Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
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Your support makes all the difference.A rare red
Tedeschi Capitel San Rocco Valpolicella Ripasso 2012
"Ripasso" is made when young wine is "passed over" remnants of dried grapes used for Amarone, creating another fermentation before oak-ageing. Amazing depth of red fruit and spice, but still fresh. Suits all rich meat and poultry dishes. £14.95, winedirect.co.uk; £15.59, villagewines.co.uk
An unconventional white
Champ Divin Cuvée Pollux Côtes Du Jura 2009
Made in a similar way to sherry, the Chardonnay and local Savagnin grapes fermenting under a yeast "crust", the result is like a dry, almond-flavoured fino, but with incredible length. Drink as an aperitif, with tapas-style dishes or Comté cheese. £17.20, tanners-wines.co.uk
A singular port
Quinta do Noval Colheita 2000
This rarely produced Colheita – a single vintage matured in oak – is mellow, nutty, oaky, but with some residual bright red-fruit flavours. This will only improve, if you can resist opening with Christmas pudding and blue cheeses. A fantastic present. £44.95 vintagewineandport.co.uk; £49, thewinesociety.com
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