Neuroenology

How the Brain Creates the Taste of Wine

By: Gordon Shepherd

Narrated by: Peter Lerman

In his new book, leading neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd expands on the startling discovery that the brain creates the taste of wine. This approach to understanding wine's sensory experience draws on findings in neuroscience, biomechanics, human physiology, and traditional enology. Shepherd shows that creating the taste of wine engages more of the brain than does any other human behavior.

Neuroenology is the first book on wine tasting by a neuroscientist. It begins with the movements of wine through the mouth and then consults recent research to explain the function of retronasal smell and its extraordinary power in creating wine taste. Shepherd comprehensively explains how the specific sensory pathways in the cerebral cortex create the memory of wine and how language is used to identify and imprint wine characteristics. Intended for a broad audience from amateur wine drinkers to sommeliers, from casual foodies to seasoned chefs, Neuroenology shows how the emotion of pleasure is the final judge of the wine experience. It includes practical tips for a scientifically informed wine tasting and closes with a delightful account of Shepherd's experience tasting classic Bordeaux vintages with French winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet of the Chateau Petrus and Dominus Estate.

The book is published by Columbia University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"Shepherd manages to present sometimes incredibly technical information in a clear, concise and highly readable way." (Financial Review)

"Provides a valuable and interesting glimpse into the human side of science and its inherently cross-disciplinary nature." (Christopher R. Loss, Culinary Institute of America)

"Let's have a toast to Gordon Shepherd and his marvelous new book!" (Pierre-Marie Lledo, The Pasteur Institute)

©2017 Gordon M. Shepherd (P)2022 Redwood Audiobooks

Most fascinating and illuminating

A wonderful book that (almost) succeeds to bridge the gap between expert and lay reader. This is without a doubt THE book on the neuroscience of wine tasting / drinking wine. As an audible book, it takes a lot of concentration, but it is SO worth it (even if you can't remember all the details). I would, though, recommend that you buy the audio AND Kindle version if you're a serious student, because the two complement each other perfectly.