Here in New Zealand, we’re getting ready for Méthode Marlborough Day this Friday, 25th March. It’s a celebration of Marlborough’s top sparkling wines at the close of the region’s sparkling grape harvest. Marlborough’s cool climate is well suited to serious sparkling wine production, with wines from Méthode Marlborough members well worth seeking out.
There’s lots going on in a glass of sparkling wine, which can interact interestingly with a variety of musical features. Here are some things to think about when you’re selecting the music to play on Méthode Marlborough Day.
Pitch - the crisp acidity that characterises sparkling wines has an affinity with higher pitches, which should ideally be dominant in the music with which they’re paired.
Timbre - bright tones, such as bells and violins, as well as slightly rougher tones, such as cymbals, and harder percussive sounds help emphasise the effervescence. The richer yeasty flavours derived from the Méthode Traditionelle, also suit fuller timbres.
Tempo - a fairly fast tempo matches a lively mousse
Rhythm - syncopation is a sensational match for the intense effervescence
Mood - depends on the wine - for more uncomplicated and fruit-driven examples, choose music that’s similarly light hearted, while more complex fizz calls for something more serious.
Those interested in the art and science behind these suggestions might want to check out the in-depth article I wrote on The Music of Effervescence here on the Oenosthesia substack. This investigates the latest scientific studies and fascinating creative projects exploring the synergies between sound and sparkling wine.
What’s on my sparkling playlist
Serious - Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons, Spring 1
Chilled - Aphex Twin: Analogue Bubblebath
Light - Stereolab: Canned Candies
Lively - John Fahey: Wine & Roses
Fun - Disasteradio: Awesome Feelings
Do share your own matches on Méthode Marlborough Day - I’ll be here online to talk. Cheers!