Palate fatigue is not an issue that many people can consider a job hazard. However, it is a problem that many winemakers experience and one that Cal Poly grads Andrew Macaluso and Nicole Chamberlain encountered while attending in the college’s enology program. “The average person can evaluate about six wines accurately before tannins coat the palate and interfere with their ability to perceive flavor differences,” explains Macaluso. So when the pair discovered in chemistry class that natural fruit pectin and cellulose gum bind with tannins, they set out to develop a drink—now marketed as SanTásti (santasti.com)—that could lift tannins from the tongue.
SanTásti’s triple-filtered carbonated water is blended with undetectable traces of citric acid and cane sugar to restore the balance of acidity, sweetness, and astringency. Though it tastes like simple sparkling water, it is scientifically formulated to enhance any tasting experience. Macaluso and Chamberlain encourage tasters to try an experiment. The challenge is to taste a white wine, then a bold red wine, then return to the white wine. With a swirl of SanTásti, they claim you can sip, and actually sense the subtleties, of the first wine … even after a tannic, tongue-roughening red.

Print friendly
E-mail story
Tip Us Off
iPod friendly
Comments
Share Article
Myspace


Previous Month



Comments
Palate fatigue----one of the true vexations facing Mankind in the 21st Century.
I'm glad someone finally had the genius and determination to address this colossally universal issue!
Hic.
Draxor (anonymous profile)
June 25, 2010 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For those whose lives don't revolve around alcohol, this is not a problem.
I figure that flammable liquids probably don't belong in my stomach anyway.
billclausen (anonymous profile)
June 29, 2010 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)