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Americans are still relatively new to consuming wine—but they do so with gusto during the holiday season. On today’s show we take a look at the chemistry of this intoxicating substance: its aroma, its flavor, and its sometimes unwanted side effects. We start off with a look at why it’s never a good idea to leave an open bottle of wine uncorked. Next, we turn to the controversial topic of sulfites. Do they help preserve wine’s flavor, or are they the leading cause of hangovers? Finally, producer Eric Mack takes us to New Mexico for a visit with David Rigsby, a vintner who’s experimenting with organic techniques. Element of the Week: Oxygen.
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Related Pieces
Piece Description
Americans are still relatively new to consuming wine—but they do so with gusto during the holiday season. On today’s show we take a look at the chemistry of this intoxicating substance: its aroma, its flavor, and its sometimes unwanted side effects. We start off with a look at why it’s never a good idea to leave an open bottle of wine uncorked. Next, we turn to the controversial topic of sulfites. Do they help preserve wine’s flavor, or are they the leading cause of hangovers? Finally, producer Eric Mack takes us to New Mexico for a visit with David Rigsby, a vintner who’s experimenting with organic techniques. Element of the Week: Oxygen.
Broadcast History
Distributed as a podcast 5 December 2008.
Transcript
0:00 UP THEME MUSIC
Hello, and welcome to Distillations – weekly extracts from the past, present and future of chemistry. I’m Meir Rinde. On today’s show we’re talking about the chemistry of wine. We’ll learn what’s not causing your red wine hangover, and visit an organic vineyard in the high desert.
That’s all coming up on today’s episode of Distillations.
MONOLOGUE
Few liquids have the same cultural, social, and economic influence of wine. It’s been called the nectar of the gods and has been a part of celebratory life since the days of Dionysus. In modern times, wine has become a multi-billion dollar industry and is an important part of social and religious occasions throughout the world. Ironic, then, that a critical element for human life can be just the thing to destroy your favorite bottle. ___________ has more in today’s Element of the Week.
ELEMENT OF THE WEEK
In the first...
Read the full transcript
Timing and Cues
00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
00:52 Element of the Week: Oxygen
02:54 Mystery Solved! Sulfites and Hangovers
05:35 Feature: Organic Wines
10:11 Closing Credits
Additional Credits
Distillations is a production of the Chemical Heritage Foundation.
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