The Surprising Influence of Music on Your Wine Experience

Music’s Surprising Influence on Wine

Recent explorations in winemaking have unveiled that music may play a pivotal role in shaping the character of wine. Evidence suggests that, beyond its ability to elevate our mood, music can affect the aging process of wine and even enhance our tasting experience.

In Italy, winemaker Pasquale Petrera is utilizing what he refers to as "music therapy" in his winery in Puglia. He aims to improve the Primitivo wine by enhancing the oxygenation process, believing that sound waves can help circulate wine particles within the barrel. He plays natural sounds, such as birds singing and water flowing, alongside music in the cellar. Interestingly, his winery is noted for producing some of the best Primitivo in the country.

In a different region, the Olivini family on the shores of Lake Garda has been exposing their wines to classical music since 2018. Winemaker Juri Botti claims that the vibrations help create complexity and elegance in their sparkling wines, enhancing the fermentation process.

Chile’s Montes winery is even more dedicated to the auditory enhancements, having played Gregorian chants continuously for the past two decades in a uniquely designed cellar to maximize acoustics. Although skeptics may regard such practices as mere marketing gimmicks, the winery’s reds are frequently celebrated by critics.

Taking a bold leap, Carlo Cignozzi in Tuscany has installed over 120 speakers throughout his vineyard, allowing Mozart’s compositions to resonate across the vines. Cignozzi reports improved health in his grapes, suggesting that sound waves may repel harmful insects, while promoting better vine growth.

The implications of music on wine don’t stop with production. Research by Dr. Adrian C. North indicates that background music can significantly influence our perception of wine. For instance, tests showed that heavy music led tasters to describe a white wine as heavier than when tasted in silence.

Furthermore, pairing music and wine can enhance sales in commerce. Anecdotal evidence from a UK supermarket suggests that playing French music increased sales of French wines, while classical music raised the average price of purchases.

According to Susan R Lin, a Master of Wine, different musical elements—such as tempo and pitch—can enhance the sensory experience of wine. She encourages experimenting with various musical genres to discover unique pairings that may elevate one’s enjoyment.

As more winemakers embrace the connection between music and wine, it opens up exciting possibilities for the sensory experience in winemaking and tasting. Perhaps in the near future, wine labels might even hint at the soundtracks that accompanied their aging process, transforming how we view the relationship between our beverages and the music we love.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!