Short definition
Aromas and flavors in wine that recall spices like black pepper, clove, cinnamon, or anise.
Syrah from the Northern Rhône tastes like cracked black pepper — that comes from the grape itself. Vanilla and cinnamon notes usually come from oak barrels. Gewürztraminer has ginger and lychee spice. When a taster says "spicy," ask which spice — it tells you a lot about the grape and how the wine was made.