Pascaline Lepeltier shares valuable insights on wine tasting, emphasizing the importance of mouthfeel and the body’s biochemical responses over traditional olfactory methods. Inspired by the research of Jacky Rigaux and Jean-Michel Deiss, she incorporates a unique analysis protocol that scrutinizes both saliva and the lingering sensations on the palate after tasting.
Lepeltier references Rigaux’s Geosensorial Tasting, in which the focus shifts from aroma—popularized by a 20th-century movement led by Jules Chauvet—to a more holistic appreciation that prioritizes tactile and sensory experience. Rigaux and other winemakers argue that while olfactory analyses can be misleading, the physical sensations and saliva’s quality provide a more genuine understanding of a wine’s character and the intentions of its creator.
Building on this philosophy, contemporary research into neuroenology highlights how the brain interprets wine flavors based on salivation in response to specific wine compounds. This modern perspective encourages a deeper connection to the body and awareness of inward sensations during wine tasting. By adopting practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and conscious breathing, Lepeltier has transformed her tasting method, leading to heightened sensory experiences and personal well-being.
In her exploration of the "vin de lieu" concept in Anjou, where distinct terroir-driven wines thrive, she recommends the Benoît Courault’s Les Guinechiens 2021. This old-vine Chenin Blanc, sourced from the schist soil of the Layon valley, demonstrates an exceptional mouthfeel that invites a lingering sense of satisfaction, reflecting the very essence of her approach to tasting.
With calls to embrace a mindful methodology, Lepeltier advocates for reevaluating how we appreciate wine, suggesting that a focus on corporeal responses can deepen our understanding and enjoyment of different varietals. This holistic approach not only enhances one’s wine experience but also promotes overall well-being in an era where the consumption of wine is under scrutiny.