Photo: Fairchild Archive
Wine enthusiasts already know that a proper pairing is of the utmost importance—only usually that refers to food. A new study published in the British Journal of Psychology suggest that music can enhance the experience of a grape. A deep, full-bodied Merlot, for example, might best be enjoyed with the sonic stylings of Barry White, while a zesty glass of Riesling pairs well with any Katy Perry track. A group of 250 students at Heriot-Watt University in the UK sipped glasses of red and white wine set to one of four songs on loop for 15 minutes. Afterward, the volunteers consistently described the wines using the same characteristics as the songs. "The research reported here considers the possibility that the emotional connotations of music may be able to function as a symbol that influences perception of taste," the published findings say. So, in other words, if you want your wedding guests to fully experience the spicy undertones of your carefully selected bottles of Pinot Noir, consider asking Lenny Kravitz to perform during dinner. —Phillip B. Crook
