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Wines of the week: Domaine des Coteaux des Travers Reserve Rasteau 2009; Co-operative Fairtrade Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc 2011; Ramos Reserva 2011 Alentajo
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
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Domaine des Coteaux des Travers Reserve Rasteau 2009
Top-quality Côtes du Rhône Villages from Rasteau, one of the two best (Cairanne is the other name to seek out) of the 20 southern Rhône villages. Made to organic principles, using a Grenache-dominated blend, in a vineyard owned by the same family for more than 100 years, this is Rhône wine-making at its best: full-bodied, earthy, with gorgeous black fruits to the fore. Drink with rare beef, roast lamb with garlic and anchovies or Roquefort. £13.65 (as part of a purchase of six mixed bottles), from vineyardsdirect.com
Midweek meal
Co-operative Fairtrade Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc 2011
An interesting wine from the high-street retailer with the biggest range of Fairtrade wines; although the quality can vary, this is a great example to mark Fairtrade Fortnight, which continues until 10 March. Grapes from old vines, fermented with wild yeasts in French oak, deliver vanilla, pears, apricots and honey, cut with an appealing dry minerality. Pair with baked cod in a spicy Romesco sauce. £7.99, Co-op stores
Bargain basement
Ramos Reserva 2011 Alentajo
A fine example of modern Portuguese wine-making, but using their traditional grapes Trincadeira and Aragonez (mixed with a little Syrah) from an estate which still practises foot-treading. Deeply concentrated flavours of red fruits, some touches of leather and tar on the nose, good tannins and a long satisfying finish. Remarkably good value to accompany any Mediterranean foods, but particularly paella. £6.99 (each for two bottles as part of a purchase of six mixed bottles; normally £8.49), majestic.co.uk
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