374563 Sat Feb 24 13:24:54 -0800 2007 3 34 Wine 0 2325847 Can any chowhoundnik come up with an Italian or Mediterranian hors d'ouevre that could be served with a Lazy Creek gewurtz? I'd also like some ideas for a red wine to go with crab cioppino. I bow to your higher intelligence on this matter. Thanks! Sat Feb 24 13:24:54 -0800 2007 22577 brocante 1 2326032 The Lazy Creek pinot is outstanding. However, if your cioppino is a little spicy, perhaps a zin would be better, one from Dry Creek since they are normally a bit spicy and peppery. Sat Feb 24 14:56:42 -0800 2007 2325847 10925 rtmonty 1 2326393 As for an italian app with gewurztraminer, think "hot peppers and garlic".... gewurztraminer also loves basil.... how about a grilled calimari fra'diavolo with basil chiffonade ?? Also, there might be a far northern Italian dish (some sort of swiss-italian dish) that involves an emmentaler or gruyere-like cheese. If so that would probably be a smashing match with the gewurztraminer. Crab Cioppino, with the garlic, butter, crabs, shrimp, etc. has Chardonnay written all over it. To serve it with anything else is a dis-service. If you have to go with a red wine, then you might "adjust" the crab cioppino recipe to include some chunks of a pinot-noir or rose friendly fish like tuna, salmon, or sardine. This way you could "bring the food to the wine". But a classic crab cioppino recipe is a much better match for chardonnay, IMO. Sat Feb 24 17:21:27 -0800 2007 2325847 42549 Chicago Mike 1 2327641 The Lazy Creek gewurtz is super food-friendly, I've gone through many cases and find that it goes happily with almost anything. A bit of acid and/or hot pepper is good. Bruschetta, marinated peppers, roasted garlic, spicy salami or hot coppa, marinated mozzarella, marinated sardines, smoked oysters ... Sun Feb 25 10:31:48 -0800 2007 2325847 11369 Robert Lauriston