Snooth Talk: What's your favorite exceptionally spicy red wine?

Wine Talk

: What's your favorite exceptionally spicy red wine?; Posted by KMP, Jan 4.; I am in search of the perfect spicy red. I had a rioja 2003 reserve once, but can't remember the maker. It was amazing. Any suggestions? I want to be able to taste the spice, not get a faint hint of it.

Thanks!

2517 1738: Reply by Gregory Dal Piaz, Jan 5.; Hi KMP

And welcome to Snooth!

I am curious as to what spice you are looking for. There are some grapes with spicy flavors, Malbec and Shiraz spring to mind. Then there is the spice of oak, which a Rioja Reserva would certainly exhibit.

In that case you might actually be looking for a combination of a certain fruit profile and the spicy tones of wood. In particular American oak as most Rioja continues to be aged in American oak. You might want to explore Australian Shiraz, where there is also significant use of American Oak coupled with a naturally spicy grape though the wines bear little resemblance to Rioja.

One thing to keep in mind is that the spice of wood tends to fade with time so you might prefer younger or more recently released wines to those with some age on them.

Happy hunting!

0 4: Reply by KMP, Jan 5.; Thanks Gregory,

I am looking for a peppery spice in particular. Do you know any particular brands of wine that would exhibit that flavor?

Thank you!

7 12: Reply by syrahlover, Jan 5.; Fontenella, a very small new winery in Napa makes a spicey (peppery) Zinfandel. On the Edge Winery, also makes a spicey zin...the 2003. Karen Culler of Culler Winery makes a spicey Syrah.

1667 3027: Reply by Philip, Jan 5.; KMP

Petit Sirah is known for having a white pepper note to it. Here's one I remember being particularly peppery:
http://www.snooth.com/wine/fleur-de-california-petit-sirah-cental-coast-2006/

Totally different, is this Pinot Noir - im suggesting it as I remember it being very spicy and peppery.
http://www.snooth.com/wine/cono-sur-pinot-noir-2006-5/

0 4: Reply by KMP, Jan 5.; Philip,

Even better. Thanks for the links. Exactly what I'm looking for-pepper! Thank you!

1 16: Reply by John E Morris, Jan 5.; Pelaverga, which often has a nice peppery note but with a relatively light body.

2517 1738: Reply by Gregory Dal Piaz, Jan 5.; Hi John,

Great recommendation. I was going to include it this morning in my reply, great minds and all, but since it can be difficult to find I let it be.

But since you've added it to the roster I'll second that!

1 16: Reply by John E Morris, Jan 5.; I'm surprised at how many pop up on the shelves here in NYC, actually, and not all at the usual suspects (Astor, Chambers, etc.) A couple of years ago I found two on the shelves of a store on 7th Avenue in Park Slope. I think we are rather blessed here, though, Pelaverga-speaking.

103 83: Reply by MarioRobles, Jan 6.; Carmenere is what you want... try the Perez Cruz Ltd Edition Carmenere (any vintage) or the De Martino Single Vineyard Carmenere; both from the Maipo Valley in Chile... they both sell for around $30 ... you will not be disappointed!