Could listening to Tom Jones give more body to a Merlot?

A study by the British Journal of Psychology has found that people listening to music perceive wine to have the same ‘taste characteristics’ as music.

“Music does have an effect of moods and emotions, so it makes sense that it can influence the way customers feel about the wine they are drinking,” said Toby Hoyte, spokesperson for leading background music provider Soundnet.

Carmina Burana and the Nutcracker Suite

"Whether listening to Tom Jones can give more body to a Merlot is up for debate, but a carefully planned playlist can definitely improve a venue’s atmosphere and therefore customer spend and repeat business.”

In the study of 250 volunteers, ratings of ‘powerful & heavy’ were given to both red and white wine consumed whilst listening to Carmina Burana, whilst the Nutcracker Suite encouraged ratings of ‘subtle and refined’.

As a result, Soundnet, and wine expert, Stuart Rothwell, have matched albums with quality wines to help provide the ultimate wine drinking experience for customers.

Soundnet’s recommendations for music to match the characteristics of wines across the study’s four categories of music:

'Zingy & Refreshing'

Album recommendation: Caro Emerald – Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor

Wine recommendation: The "Mollydooker Violinist" Verdelho from McLaren Vale Australia

'Subtle & Refined'

Album recommendation: Ryan Adams – Ashes & Fire

Wine recommendation: The Three Winds Pinot Noir, France

'Powerful & Heavy'

Album recommendation: Sergei Prokofiev – Alexander Nevsky

Wine recommendation: L’Opera Minervois, France

'Mellow & Soft'

Album recommendation: Ludovico Einaudi - Islands

Wine recommendation: Il Cantore Piemonte, Italy

For more information on Soundnet’s bespoke background music visit www.soundnet.net . Wine recommendations from Stuart Rothwell can be found at www.thevineyardwineshop.co.uk .