Study suggests wine can taste different depending on what music you are listening to

NBC NEWS — Two glasses of wine may taste differently, even though the grapes were grown in the same region, bottled at the same vineyard, and poured from the same bottle. The difference? Background music.

A study from the U.K. suggests your taste in music might influence how you taste wine.

Researchers had a group of taste-testers drink either a Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon while listening to one of four pieces of music. No matter what they were drinking, participants consistently described their wine according to the background tunes.

Experts say it's true - we tend to have physical reactions to music. However, wine connoisseurs aren't easily swayed by the new research.

Sam Ryburn of Arthur's Wine Shop in Charlotte, North Carolina says he prefers jazz but doesn't need it to enjoy his favorite vino.

"It's the conversation and the camaraderie that I'm looking for," stated Ryburn.

Wine does lend itself to camaraderie, no matter what kind of music is playing in the background, but maybe musicians know something we don't. Singer Dave Matthews has a variety of wines called "Dreaming Tree", and a member of the band Train came out with a Petite Syrah named after one of its popular songs, "Drops of Jupiter." 

"I think what's fun for individuals that look at this study is to try and pay attention to their senses a little differently," said Dr. Scott Bea of the Cleveland Clinic.

And remember that your grape may taste differently depending on your groove.