• Wine Story: History of NOA, from Noah to modern times

  NOA Wine, founded by Areni Viticulture LLC, is a synthesis of rich historical heritage and modern winemaking technology. The project began in collaboration with the Swiss wine house St. Jakobskellerei Schuler & Cie AG Schwyz, founded in 1694...

• Street style at Yerevan Wine Days: Vivid looks and outfits

  The Yerevan Wine Days festival is not only an opportunity to taste Armenian wines, but also to show off oneself. Our photographer Nastya Shevchenko went “hunting” for interesting looks and outfits at this event...

• Wine Story: Let’s combine Armenia cheeses and wines!

  In this review, we will look at how Armenian wines made from local grape varieties combine harmoniously with Armenian cheeses, and we will tell you what taste sensations these combinations give and why they are so tasty...

• Wine Story: Summer rosé wines - refreshing selection for hot summer days

  The summer season is associated with refreshing drinks that help beat the heat and add a touch of relaxation to everyday moments. One of the most popular drinks in summer is rosé wines. They are famous for their light and refreshing character, delicate aroma and taste, which make them simply delicious saviors for hot summer days...

• Wine Story: From mafia to winemaking, path of Michael Franzese and Samvel Hakobyan, history of creation of Armenian wine Franzese

  In an interview with News.am Style, Samvel Hakobyan, executive director and co-founder of the Michael Franzese winery, spoke about the fascinating and difficult path of Michael Franzese, their partnership, and the creation of Armenian wine in the arena of the American wine industry. Find out how a former mafia boss introduced unique wines from Armenia to the world and turned his life into a story of success and inspiration...

•  Wine Story: International Chardonnay Day - what to drink, and with what?

  Every year, wine lovers around the world eagerly await the end of May when International Chardonnay Day arrives. This is not just a day, but a whole week because this holiday is celebrated twice: always on May 21, and conventionally—a few days later...

• Golden aging: Why wines aged in karas are expensive?

  Dozens of years ago, throughout Armenia, entire villages devoted themselves to the art of creating karas from clay. One of the centers of this craft was Ararat Province, where Shahumyan village was especially famous, as well as small settlements near the capital Yerevan, where Nork carp were made from red clay...

• Wine Story: Wine and movie night - choosing drink to match film genre

  After all, how nice it is to enjoy every frame under the cover of wine, which will emphasize emotions and enrich the viewing experience. Let's figure out which wines are ideal for different film genres and how to create an evening full of delicious emotions and exciting stories...

According to a number of studies, pairing music with wine can change and even improve our perception of what's in the glass. So if you find Pinot Grigio too bland or Zinfandel too sweet, perhaps switching up your playlist will help.

In Puglia, winemaker Pasquale Petrera uses what he calls music therapy in his cellar. Its goal is to “emphasize the elegance, freshness and authenticity of Primitivo” by optimizing the oxygenation process. This happens naturally through the wood, but he believes the extra sound waves bouncing off the barrel help move the wine particles in a non-invasive and ultimately beneficial way. It includes birdsong and sounds of flowing water, rustling leaves, wind, rain, thunder, and rolling waves. Does this really make the wine better? Interestingly, his Fatalone winery produces the best Primitivo wine in the country.

In the north, on the shores of Lake Garda, the Olivini family has been playing classical music in the cellar since its renovation in 2018. “When sound waves move through air, water or earth, the vibrations affect the behavior of these molecules. We believe that stimulating the yeast particles has a positive effect,” says winemaker Jüri Botti.

And in Tuscany, Carlo Cignozzi went even further. At his Paradiso di Frassina estate in Montalcino, more than 35 speakers are installed to spread the same musical vibrations to the vines themselves. Throughout the growing season, he plays only Mozart due to the composer's preference for lower frequencies. Not only do lower frequencies travel further, but some believe they have natural healing abilities. “Music not only creates a beneficial resonance for the plant, but also repels pathogens and pests. Mozart bothers them and they leave.”

In one supermarket, playing French music led to increased sales of French wine. Susan R. Lin, a Master of Wine who wrote a thesis on how classical music influences the perception of non-vintage Brut Champagne, believes that music can have a positive effect on the drinker.

“Various combinations of musical elements (e.g., pitch, tempo, articulation, timbre) have been shown to influence sensory perception,” she says. “So if you're looking to enhance the perception of certain sensory characteristics of a wine, say brightness and freshness, you might find music with a faster tempo, higher pitch, dynamic articulation and vibrant timbre.”

“Try different music genre combinations with wine, even if they are styles you don't usually listen to or wines you don't drink! You might be surprised,” she says. “The most important thing is to allow yourself to feel what your senses intuitively perceive; this is where the magic begins.”

Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram