I'm going to go out on a pretty sturdy branch (as opposed to a frail limb) here and assume that you have heard of wine and food pairings. The idea is that certain foods are able to highlight or intensify flavors present in a particular wine; therefore, if you pay attention to what you are eating and drinking, you can provide yourself with an even more enjoyable experience. There are websites right and left that will map through what to enjoy as part of a duo, including but not limited to Wine Folly,1 Food and Wine Magazine,2 and Wine Enthusiast.3 Wine Enthusiast, in particular, lists out six different areas for consideration when pairing food with wine, and you know how I feel about lists...
Back to the topic at hand though. When pondering the overwhelming abundance of advice on how to pair wine with food I got to thinking and this question popped up: if we place such emphasis on how to create the "ideal" experience by pairing appropriate flavors, why don't we widen the criteria to include other senses all-together? As a music student, I was particularly interested in the intersection of auditory sensation and taste and how it impacts the overall enjoyment of a wine.
Turns out, I am not the only person that has pondered this! In fact, a simple google search proved that my question is currently quite the topic in the wine (and food) world! The term that focuses on these areas of neurogastronomy, a new area of study that is merging the science and culinary worlds by "studying the human brain and the behavior that influences how we experience eating and drinking."4
So what is this neurogastronomy research saying so far?
1. A study by Bruno Mesz, Marcos A Trevisan, and Mariano Sigman found that there is an association between sound and taste by asking professional musicians to improvise with "taste" words as guiding forces. The results showed that each word provided consistent musical patterns, "bitter" improvisations were low-pitched, legato lines, "salty" improvisations were staccato, "sour" improvisations were high-pitched and dissonant, and "sweet" improvisations were soft, slow, and constant (as opposed to sharply detached "salty" improvisations).5
2. Another person that is at the front of the neurogastronomy crusade in relation to wine is Clark Smith. Smith is stoked on experimenting his hypotheses and talking about his findings. He does online seminars and workshops,6 interviews with Alex Cohen on NPR,7 makes podcasts,8 and appears in article,9 after article,10 after article.11 I wouldn't be surprised if he lived and breathed (and drank) this stuff 24/7!
3. Professor Charles Spence at the University of Oxford has done a critical mass of research in this arena as well, providing not one, not two, but three articles in the peer-reviewed journal Flavour. His first article explores the fundamentals of crossmodal matching of wine and music in a broad sense,12 whereas the second delves into the material,13 leaving the third to answer the ultimate question: so what?14 One of his experiments worth noting is that of the bacon and egg ice cream. He partnered with
Heston Blumenthal to create the ice cream and then served it to participants with one of two soundtracks playing in the background, either featuring chickens clucking or bacon sizzling. The results showed that participants that heard the chickens reported the egg flavor to be the most significant, whereas those that heard the bacon crackle and pop pointed to the bacon flavor as being most prominent.15 This study directly exemplifies the idea of neurogastronomy, that our one sense can impact the perception of another seemingly unrelated sense.
Multisensory restaurants are popping up left and right,16 which shouldn't surprise you at this point if you've been paying attention. Neurogastronomy is a topic of conversation in labs, restaurants, and my dorm room alike, so I figured I'd give it a try! Using my knowledge of music and (newfound) knowledge of wine, I've hand curated a list to guide you through your wine and music pairing journey. You'll notice that with each wine there is an option rooted in classical tradition (symphony, opera, jazz, etc.) and a more contemporary option. Pick your poison to accompany your... poison?
Additionally, you know what makes this whole wine and music pairing deal even sweeter than wine and food pairings? Thanks to revolutionary inventions like Spotify and YouTube, music is FREE! Meaning, you can take that extra money and fork it over to buying even MORE wine. Revolutionary! Each bottle listed is under $20, but go crazy if you like!
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
Photo from http://www.kobrandwineandspirits.com/
Wine: St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 ($17.99)17
The music to enjoy: Break Stuff by Limp Bizkit or O Fortuna from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff
The music to avoid: Mozart. Too happy and bouncy. Bleh.
Why: Cabernet Sauvignon is known as a full-bodied red wine that packs a lot of punch, with flavors including dark fruit and savory peppers.18 This Cab Sauv from the New World is characterized as being "robust," with "good structure and generous tannins," aka: it is intense. What is the best way to balance out aggressive tannins, you ask? Listen to some aggressive music. It might sound like a lot to take in (hey, you're the one that wanted to drink a big red...), but the darkness of the music will actually work wonders at smoothing out the harsh tannins that you are tasting. Other musical suggestions include AC/DC, Quiet Riot, Black Sabbath, Eminem, Wagner, the list could go on, there are a lot of angsty artists out there!
2. Pinot Noir
Photo from https://cdn.shopify.com/
Wine: Brooks Runaway Red Pinot Noir 2014 ($19.99)19
The music to enjoy: Let's Get Lost by G-Eazy ft. Devon Baldwin or the first horn solo in Ein Heldenleben by Johann Strauss II
The music to avoid: Any polka or music that could be described using the terms "boom" and "chuck"
Why: If you want the most from your Oregon Pinot experience, you should definitely be listening to romantic or sexy music. The winemaker notes the flavors of "Cinnamon and rhubarb, macerated strawberry and fresh raspberries with hints of orange peel and pomegranate."19 If cinnamon and berries don't sound like a romantic little combination to you, then I don't know what would! These flavors are expressive, so by indulging in similarly sultry music amplifies the flavors, acting as a mirror that allows for a heightened experience.
Photo from https://cdn.shopify.com/
Wine: Brooks Runaway Red Pinot Noir 2014 ($19.99)19
The music to enjoy: Let's Get Lost by G-Eazy ft. Devon Baldwin or the first horn solo in Ein Heldenleben by Johann Strauss II
The music to avoid: Any polka or music that could be described using the terms "boom" and "chuck"
Why: If you want the most from your Oregon Pinot experience, you should definitely be listening to romantic or sexy music. The winemaker notes the flavors of "Cinnamon and rhubarb, macerated strawberry and fresh raspberries with hints of orange peel and pomegranate."19 If cinnamon and berries don't sound like a romantic little combination to you, then I don't know what would! These flavors are expressive, so by indulging in similarly sultry music amplifies the flavors, acting as a mirror that allows for a heightened experience.
3. Malbec
Photo from http://www.guarachiwinepartners.com/
Wine: Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2013 ($15.99)20
The music to enjoy: Arsonist's Lullabye by Hozier or Brahms Symphony No. 4 Mvt. 4
The music to avoid: Again, Mozart. Too peppy, too treble. Not Malbec vibe.
Why: Malbec from Argentina is known for its strong dark berry flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and plum. The lower tannins and herbal undertones allow for a more complex, though much shorter finish than a Cabernet Sauvignon.21 Because of the slightly more mellow nature of the Argentine Malbec, it is most appropriate to listen to music that maintains a somber or angsty mood with less overt aggression and intensity than the harsh music to be paired with a good Cab Sauv.
4. Sweet Chardonnay
Photo from http://terlatowines.com/
Wine: Tangley Oaks Mendocino Chardonnay 2014 ($15.99)22
The music to enjoy: Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper or Mozart Piano Sonata No. 16 K. 545
The music to avoid: Blues and R&B
Why: Given that Chardonnay is the most planted white wine grape in the world23 (wowza), there is quite a bit of variation in the resulting wine. Because of this, I've broken the "Chardonnay" category in two, sweet and oaky. Seems fitting to listen to some different tunes when the flavor profile varies so significantly! The maker of the recommended Tangley Oakes Chardonnay notes that the wine is balanced and bright, with aromas of pear and tangerine that are typical of an unoaked chardonnay.22 What is the best musical accompaniment to the bouncy and bright flavors of sweet chardonnay? Peppy, upbeat music. We're talking the opposite of Cab Sauv here. Anything you would run away from while drinking a Cab (think Beach Boys, Cyndi Lauper, Hillary Duff, Mozart) you can embrace with open arms and ears all of a sudden. What a joy!
5. Oaky Chardonnay
Photo from https://files.thewinebowgroup.com/
Wine: Catena Chardonnay 2014 ($16.99)24
The music to enjoy: Black Coffee by Ella Fitzgerald or Quando m'en Vo from La bohème by Giacomo Puccini
The music to avoid: Light and cheery music. This isn't a sweet chardonnay!
Why: Good thing we broke the Chardonnay category in two because upbeat, peppy music is the last thing you will want to listen to in order to make the most of your recommended Catena Chardonnay. Unlike it's sweeter counterpart, this oaky chardonnay develops flavors of honey, tropical fruit and a touch of vanilla. The longer finish in conjunction with the warm flavors lends itself to mellow soulful music, like the smooth stylings of Ella Fitzgerald and the legato lines in Puccini arias. The portamenti, or little glides between notes, in Fleming's rendition of Quando m'en Vo from La bohème encompass the "buttery" vibe that this style of chardonnay boasts.25
6. Sauvingnon Blanc
Photo from https://www.vintagecellars.com.au/
Wine: Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2014 ($18.99)26
The music to enjoy: Avalanche by Walk the Moon or Short Ride in a Fast Machine by John Adams
The music to avoid: Anything with too much soul. Just say no to Neyo and Frank Sinatra
Why: If Chardonnay is upbeat, happy music, then Sauvignon Blanc is upbeat, happy music with a twist. In an attempt to describe the flavor experience, Wine Enthusiast calls this Editor's Choice Dog Point Sauv Blanc "excessively tart," an note that Robert Parker (aka: The Wine Advocate) further fleshes out as having an "incredible intensity of zingy lemon."26 Sauvignon Blanc is characteristically known as boasting more herbal and sprite-like flavors, so it is fitting to listen to upbeat music, with an unexpected "zing" to them.27 Avalanche by Walk the Moon is the perfect song because it bounces along in a relentlessly peppy manner, but there is significant complexity and interest in the many layers that contribute to the whole. Similarly, Short Ride in a Fast Machine is a trip and a half (literally), and the bubbling of the clarinets and occasional piccolo flair atop the constancy of the woodblock. The occasional shift in syncopation of the woodblock adds to the overall zest of the piece. And don't you think zest when you think of a Sauv Blanc?
7. Sherry
Photo from http://www.corksout.com/
Wine: Emilio Lustau Capataz Andres Deluxe Cream Sherry ($17.99)28
The music to enjoy: Bienvenue Dans Ma Vie by Nikki Yanofsky or the first trumpet solo in So What by Miles Davis
The music to avoid: Anything you would listen to while drinking sweet, zesty white wine.
Why: Like Champagne, a true Sherry can only be produced in one corner of the world, Southern Spain.29 This particular Sherry is known as an Oloroso, resulting in a full, dark, expressive, and some (such as Stephen Tanzer of International Wine Cellar) would call seductive drink. Due to this smooth, sweet, and slightly spicy vibe, it is only fitting to pair with jazz, particularly the creamy, sparkling stylings of Nikki Yanofsky and sultry timbre of Miles Davis. You can even "clink" along with the hi-hat, if you please.
BONUS: Champagne
I'll let you ponder this one for yourself...
Cheers!
__________________________________________________________________________
1. http://winefolly.com/tutorial/basic-wine-and-food-pairing-chart/
2. http://www.foodandwine.com/slideshows/15-rules-for-great-wine-and-food-pairings
3. http://www.winemag.com/2014/11/12/mastering-the-art-of-wine-and-food-pairings/
4. http://www.eater.com/2015/10/19/9553471/what-is-neurogastronomy
5. Mesz B, Trevisan MA, Sigman M. 2011. The taste of music. Perception. (2):209–219.
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gh9nwx6zMc
7. http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=16372623
8. http://postmodernwinemaking.com/docs/NPR_%2011-22-2007%20Day%20to%20Day%20--%20Clark%20Smith%20Interview.mp3
9. http://www.postmodernwinemaking.com/wine-and-music
10. http://www.sfgate.com/wine/article/Music-to-drink-wine-by-Vintner-insists-music-can-3235602.php
11. http://www.sfgate.com/wine/article/Enter-Sandman-with-Cab-Road-testing-Smith-s-3235605.php
12. Spence, Charles. "Wine and Music (I): On the Crossmodal Matching of Wine and Music." Flavour 4 (2015): Flavour, 2015, Vol.4. Web.
13. Spence, Charles. "Wine and Music (II): Can You Taste the Music? Modulating the Experience of Wine through Music and Sound." Flavour 4 (2015): Flavour, 2015, Vol.4. Web.
14. Spence, Charles. "Wine and Music (III): So What If Music Influences the Taste of the Wine?" Flavour 4 (2015): Flavour, 2015, Vol.4. Web.
15. https://trulyexperiences.com/blog/2015/11/magic-multisensory-dining/
16. http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/11/travel/best-multisensory-restaurants/
Photo from https://files.thewinebowgroup.com/
Wine: Catena Chardonnay 2014 ($16.99)24
The music to enjoy: Black Coffee by Ella Fitzgerald or Quando m'en Vo from La bohème by Giacomo Puccini
The music to avoid: Light and cheery music. This isn't a sweet chardonnay!
Why: Good thing we broke the Chardonnay category in two because upbeat, peppy music is the last thing you will want to listen to in order to make the most of your recommended Catena Chardonnay. Unlike it's sweeter counterpart, this oaky chardonnay develops flavors of honey, tropical fruit and a touch of vanilla. The longer finish in conjunction with the warm flavors lends itself to mellow soulful music, like the smooth stylings of Ella Fitzgerald and the legato lines in Puccini arias. The portamenti, or little glides between notes, in Fleming's rendition of Quando m'en Vo from La bohème encompass the "buttery" vibe that this style of chardonnay boasts.25
6. Sauvingnon Blanc
Photo from https://www.vintagecellars.com.au/
Wine: Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2014 ($18.99)26
The music to enjoy: Avalanche by Walk the Moon or Short Ride in a Fast Machine by John Adams
The music to avoid: Anything with too much soul. Just say no to Neyo and Frank Sinatra
Why: If Chardonnay is upbeat, happy music, then Sauvignon Blanc is upbeat, happy music with a twist. In an attempt to describe the flavor experience, Wine Enthusiast calls this Editor's Choice Dog Point Sauv Blanc "excessively tart," an note that Robert Parker (aka: The Wine Advocate) further fleshes out as having an "incredible intensity of zingy lemon."26 Sauvignon Blanc is characteristically known as boasting more herbal and sprite-like flavors, so it is fitting to listen to upbeat music, with an unexpected "zing" to them.27 Avalanche by Walk the Moon is the perfect song because it bounces along in a relentlessly peppy manner, but there is significant complexity and interest in the many layers that contribute to the whole. Similarly, Short Ride in a Fast Machine is a trip and a half (literally), and the bubbling of the clarinets and occasional piccolo flair atop the constancy of the woodblock. The occasional shift in syncopation of the woodblock adds to the overall zest of the piece. And don't you think zest when you think of a Sauv Blanc?
7. Sherry
Photo from http://www.corksout.com/
Wine: Emilio Lustau Capataz Andres Deluxe Cream Sherry ($17.99)28
The music to enjoy: Bienvenue Dans Ma Vie by Nikki Yanofsky or the first trumpet solo in So What by Miles Davis
The music to avoid: Anything you would listen to while drinking sweet, zesty white wine.
Why: Like Champagne, a true Sherry can only be produced in one corner of the world, Southern Spain.29 This particular Sherry is known as an Oloroso, resulting in a full, dark, expressive, and some (such as Stephen Tanzer of International Wine Cellar) would call seductive drink. Due to this smooth, sweet, and slightly spicy vibe, it is only fitting to pair with jazz, particularly the creamy, sparkling stylings of Nikki Yanofsky and sultry timbre of Miles Davis. You can even "clink" along with the hi-hat, if you please.
BONUS: Champagne
I'll let you ponder this one for yourself...
Cheers!
__________________________________________________________________________
1. http://winefolly.com/tutorial/basic-wine-and-food-pairing-chart/
2. http://www.foodandwine.com/slideshows/15-rules-for-great-wine-and-food-pairings
3. http://www.winemag.com/2014/11/12/mastering-the-art-of-wine-and-food-pairings/
4. http://www.eater.com/2015/10/19/9553471/what-is-neurogastronomy
5. Mesz B, Trevisan MA, Sigman M. 2011. The taste of music. Perception. (2):209–219.
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gh9nwx6zMc
7. http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=16372623
8. http://postmodernwinemaking.com/docs/NPR_%2011-22-2007%20Day%20to%20Day%20--%20Clark%20Smith%20Interview.mp3
9. http://www.postmodernwinemaking.com/wine-and-music
10. http://www.sfgate.com/wine/article/Music-to-drink-wine-by-Vintner-insists-music-can-3235602.php
11. http://www.sfgate.com/wine/article/Enter-Sandman-with-Cab-Road-testing-Smith-s-3235605.php
12. Spence, Charles. "Wine and Music (I): On the Crossmodal Matching of Wine and Music." Flavour 4 (2015): Flavour, 2015, Vol.4. Web.
13. Spence, Charles. "Wine and Music (II): Can You Taste the Music? Modulating the Experience of Wine through Music and Sound." Flavour 4 (2015): Flavour, 2015, Vol.4. Web.
14. Spence, Charles. "Wine and Music (III): So What If Music Influences the Taste of the Wine?" Flavour 4 (2015): Flavour, 2015, Vol.4. Web.
15. https://trulyexperiences.com/blog/2015/11/magic-multisensory-dining/
16. http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/11/travel/best-multisensory-restaurants/
17. http://www.wine.com/v6/St-Francis-Cabernet-Sauvignon-2013/wine/154310/Detail.aspx
18. http://winefolly.com/review/guide-to-cabernet-sauvignon-red-wine/
19. http://www.wine.com/v6/Brooks-Runaway-Red-Pinot-Noir-2014/wine/153826/Detail.aspx
20. http://www.wine.com/v6/Kaiken-Ultra-Malbec-2013/wine/151324/Detail.aspx
21. http://winefolly.com/review/what-is-malbec-wine/
22. http://www.wine.com/v6/Tangley-Oaks-Mendocino-Chardonnay-2014/wine/152814/Detail.aspx
23. http://winefolly.com/review/chardonnay-wine-guide/
24. http://www.wine.com/v6/Catena-Chardonnay-2014/wine/146065/Detail.aspx
25. http://www.winespectator.com/drvinny/show/id/47437
26. http://www.wine.com/v6/Dog-Point-Vineyard-Sauvignon-Blanc-2014/wine/136096/Detail.aspx
27. http://winefolly.com/tutorial/sauvignon-blanc-vs-chardonnay/
28. http://www.wine.com/v6/Emilio-Lustau-Capataz-Andres-Deluxe-Cream-Sherry/wine/12845/Detail.aspx
29. http://winefolly.com/review/dry-sherry-wine-guide/
30. http://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2011/11/21/142590064/perfect-pairings-programming-wine-with-music
31. Martino, Gail, and Lawrence E. Marks. "Synesthesia: Strong and Weak."Current Directions in Psychological Science 10.2 (2001): 61-65. Web.
32. Shepherd, Gordon M. Neurogastronomy : How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters. New York: Columbia UP, 2012. Print.
18. http://winefolly.com/review/guide-to-cabernet-sauvignon-red-wine/
19. http://www.wine.com/v6/Brooks-Runaway-Red-Pinot-Noir-2014/wine/153826/Detail.aspx
20. http://www.wine.com/v6/Kaiken-Ultra-Malbec-2013/wine/151324/Detail.aspx
21. http://winefolly.com/review/what-is-malbec-wine/
22. http://www.wine.com/v6/Tangley-Oaks-Mendocino-Chardonnay-2014/wine/152814/Detail.aspx
23. http://winefolly.com/review/chardonnay-wine-guide/
24. http://www.wine.com/v6/Catena-Chardonnay-2014/wine/146065/Detail.aspx
25. http://www.winespectator.com/drvinny/show/id/47437
26. http://www.wine.com/v6/Dog-Point-Vineyard-Sauvignon-Blanc-2014/wine/136096/Detail.aspx
27. http://winefolly.com/tutorial/sauvignon-blanc-vs-chardonnay/
28. http://www.wine.com/v6/Emilio-Lustau-Capataz-Andres-Deluxe-Cream-Sherry/wine/12845/Detail.aspx
29. http://winefolly.com/review/dry-sherry-wine-guide/
30. http://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2011/11/21/142590064/perfect-pairings-programming-wine-with-music
31. Martino, Gail, and Lawrence E. Marks. "Synesthesia: Strong and Weak."Current Directions in Psychological Science 10.2 (2001): 61-65. Web.
32. Shepherd, Gordon M. Neurogastronomy : How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters. New York: Columbia UP, 2012. Print.
