Wine and Music: Can Sound Influence the Taste of Your Wine?

Enjoying a good wine is a complete sensory experience. The temperature of the drink, the choice of glass, and even the environment all influence how we perceive its aromas and flavors. But what if the music playing in the background also had an impact? Scientific studies suggest that sound can alter our perception of wine, making it taste fuller, sweeter, or even more acidic.

In this article, we explore how music affects wine tasting and how to pair sounds and flavors for a truly unique experience.

What Does Science Say About the Effect of Music on Taste?

The relationship between hearing and taste has been studied for decades. One of the leading researchers in this field is Professor Charles Spence from the University of Oxford, who investigates how different sensory stimuli can affect the way we perceive flavors.

His experiments reveal that low-pitched sounds tend to enhance bitter and full-bodied flavors, while high-pitched tones can make a wine taste sweeter and fruitier. This means that the same wine can be perceived differently depending on the background music.

Other studies have shown that:

• Sophisticated classical music can make a wine seem more expensive and refined.
• Upbeat rhythms like jazz or pop can make a wine feel more “vibrant” and fruity.
• Ambient nature sounds can enhance the perception of freshness in white wines and sparkling wines.

Real-Life Experiments: Does Music Really Change Wine?

One of the most famous studies on this topic was conducted by Heriot-Watt University in Scotland. Researchers divided participants into different rooms and served them the same wine in each. However, each group listened to a different type of music while tasting.

The results were surprising:

• When participants listened to powerful and intense music, such as epic movie soundtracks, they described the wine as full-bodied and robust.
• When exposed to light and soft melodies, such as bossa nova, the wine was perceived as delicate and sweet.
• In a silent environment, participants had a more neutral perception of the wine.

In other words, music does not change the chemical composition of the wine, but it significantly influences how our brain perceives its flavors.

Pairing Wine with Music: Finding the Perfect Match

If wine can “sound” different depending on the music, it makes sense to create combinations between musical styles and types of wine to enhance the experience. Here are some suggested pairings:

1. Full-Bodied Red Wines (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah)

Best music: Classic rock, blues, instrumental jazz
These wines have strong tannins and deep flavors, pairing well with distorted guitars, strong rhythms, and powerful voices. Try drinking a Cabernet Sauvignon while listening to Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, or BB King.

2. Light and Refreshing White Wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Young Chardonnay)

Best music: Soft electronic, chillout, MPB (Brazilian Popular Music)
Fresh and citrusy wines match light and vibrant melodies. Try a Sauvignon Blanc while listening to Bebel Gilberto, Kygo, or Norah Jones.

3. Rosé and Sparkling Wines

Best music: Upbeat pop, reggaeton, disco music
Sparkling wines and rosés are festive, pairing well with happy and danceable music. A Prosecco goes great with Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, or Daft Punk.

4. Sweet Wines (Port, Moscatel, Sauternes)

Best music: Smooth jazz, soul, classic R&B
Sweet wines call for a sophisticated and warm soundtrack. A glass of Moscatel pairs well with Etta James, Frank Sinatra, or Amy Winehouse.

5. Natural and Organic Wines

Best music: Nature sounds, folk, acoustic instrumental music
Natural wines are less processed and more connected to the earth. Calm sounds and acoustic rhythms enhance this connection. Try an organic wine while listening to Fleetwood Mac, Bon Iver, or nature sounds like birds and rain.

How to Create the Perfect Experience?

Now that we know music can influence the perception of wine, here are some tips for creating a unique sensory experience:

• Choose the wine and music with intention. If you’re going for a sophisticated evening, pair an elegant red wine with classic jazz. If you want a relaxed vibe, go for white wine and tropical music.

• Adjust the volume. Music should not be too loud or too soft. A moderate volume allows you to better perceive the aromas and flavors of the wine.

• Experiment with friends. Try serving the same wine to different people while playing different music styles to see if their perceptions change.

• Use headphones for total immersion. This can create an even more intense and personalized experience.

Can Music Really Change the Taste of Wine?

Science and real-life experiences show that music does have a significant impact on how we perceive the taste of wine. While the chemical composition of the drink remains the same, our brain processes auditory and gustatory stimuli in a connected way, creating new sensations.

So, the next time you open a bottle of wine, try pairing it with a special soundtrack. After all, the perfect combination might be found both in your glass and in your playlist!