British actor Simon Callow is fronting a new radio series pairing music to wine.
Callow: ‘the greatest joys of civilisation’
In Tasting Notes, which goes out on Sunday afternoons on commercial classical music radio station Classic FM, Callow ‘will set himself the challenge of pairing the perfect piece of classical music to accompany a delicious glass of wine,’ according the station.
The 11-part series is based on research by TGI (Target Index Group) that proves that flavour can be enhanced by music, Classic FM says.
In each two-hour show Callow will take listeners on a ‘musical wine tour’ matching the wines of a region to classical music.
The first show featured a Bourgogne Blanc, Esprit des Parettes, and the Grande Réserve de Gassac Rouge from Mas de Daumas Gassac in the Languedoc.
The Burgundy was matched to pieces by composers including Delibes, Mozard, Debussy and Antoine Busnois, while the Languedoc wine accompanied music from Bizet, Chabrier and Saint-Säens, among other composers.
The show has been sponsored by UK wine merchant and mail order specialist Laithwaite’s, which says it has invested ‘a six-figure sum’ in the partnership. All the wines Callow tastes are available from Laithwaite’s, and listeners will be given the opportunity to buy them.
According to Laithwaite’s, among the inspirations for Tasting Notes was audience research published by the British Psychological Society which showed ‘listeners to Classic FM are 63% more likely to purchase good quality wine and 62% per cent more likely to buy wine via mail order.’
Four Weddings and a Funeral star Callow said, ‘I’m delighted to have this opportunity of talking to Classic FM’s many listeners about two of the greatest joys of civilisation, classical music and wine, both of which are right at the centre of my life.’
Tasting Notes goes out every Sunday from 3pm on Classic FM, available on 100-102 FM, digital and online at classicfm.com.
Written by Adam Lechmere
