Spice World: Savory Spice

Read the previous Spice World posts - Asian Spice; SW/Mex Spice

Savory Spice
Savory spice is familiar to most of us.  For example, take a slice of pepperoni pizza.  It’s got black pepper, onions, garlic, and for those who crave spice, perhaps a shake or two of Cayenne pepper.  This spice combo presents the wine adventurer with two red wine options:  1) Subtle & crisp or 2) Bold & fruity.  Subtle & crisp wines include mostly old world reds like Italian Barbera d’Alba, French Côtes du Rhône, and Spanish Rioja.  These wines will accent your pepperoni slice by highlighting its spice components on your tongue.  In this instance, wine acts as the backup band to the singing savory spice combo.  Perhaps you would rather go bold.  Bold & fruity reds include Australian Shiraz, Californian Red Zinfandel, and Californian Petite Sirah.  These big boys will act as a reset button for your tongue – take a sip and pizza is mostly erased from the tongue’s taste memory.  Which is better?  Try both wine styles and let your palette decide.  Wine suggestions:  Ca' Bianca Barbera d'Asti, ’01 ($13) from the Piedmont, Italy (subtle & crisp); Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon, ’01/'02 ($12) from California (bold & fruity)