A team of scientists from the Spanish Institute of Food Science conducted a study to find out why older people can better perceive the aroma and taste of wine, according to the website of the MIR24 television channel.
Photo courtesy of: RIA Novosti
Experts speculate that perception is influenced by a variety of physiological factors, including the shape of the mouth and the composition of saliva. To conduct the experiment, the researchers recruited 11 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35 and 11 volunteers over the age of 55.
Study participants first learned to understand the flavor differences and aromas of the wines. Next, scientists tracked how saliva and its secretion changed with age. In the end, it turned out that older people had weaker saliva production, which could potentially allow people to experience the characteristics of undiluted wine.
Experts also speculate that the perception of alcohol may also be influenced by memories, experiences, and what foods a person eats before drinking.
