KJ Collage - dry teeth

[lizardbrains]

I found the KJ Collage of Zin/Shiraz you were recommending - I got it for $9.19 at a local fish store (it's a big place, with a large wine selection, gourmet foods, etc.!). I had it with chili con carne, and then with spaghetti the second night - and I thought it tasted great with both, but definitely not good alone (when I was done eating, and was still drinking)!

Someone said that it tastes of fruit and spices. I couldn't quite taste the fruit - but I think that's because I am so new at this. Spices... I'm not quite sure what that means. It did taste like a warm cozy taste, which I liked. It pricked the tip and sides of my tongue. And the back of my teeth felt dry after each sip (like when the dentist sprays the air on your teeth to dry them).

So, here are my questions:
1. What in the wine makes my teeth feel dry and wierd?
2. What in the wine makes my tongue feel pricked?
3. What does it mean when someone says it tastes "spicey"?

I don't yet understand what "tannin" is, and how to know if it's there. And "acidity" I don't yet understand. But you don't need to explain all these if you don't want to. I AM working on Wines for Dummies! And I have a 4 day weekend, so I should get a lot of wine reading in!!!! :-)