Looking for "spicey" wines...

[Puccino]

Great board - have enjoyed reading many useful posts here.
One of my co-workers, a Spanish woman, served to me a wonderful Spanish wine (didn't get to see the bottle, but was a deep red) with our cheese platter that had a spicey excellence. Since we live here in Paris, I'm trying to find something similar among the French wines.
What are the spicey grape varieties generally?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Puccino

[Innkeeper]

Hi Puccino, and welcome to Wine Board. Look to the Rhone for the spice of life. If you have 100 NF to spend, get a Chateauneuf De Pape (C-D-P), or if you want to spend half as much try a Cotes Du Rhone (C-D-R).

[Puccino]

Merci beaucoup, Innkeeper.

[Thomas]

In Spain, they use Garnacia (Grenache in France) in many of their red wine blends. It is likely the source of the spice. You certainly can get that grape variety from drinking Rhone wines, but you can also get it, and other spicy grape varieties, from the Languedoc or Provence. Look for Corbiere, Gaillac, St. Chinian, and a few others in the southern reaches.

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 08-13-2001).]

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 08-13-2001).]

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 08-13-2001).]

[Puccino]

Thanks Foodie! Will certainly try that along with the C-D-P and C-D-R.

Puccino