What's the secret relationship between the strawberry and the pineapple? Between mint and Sauvignon Blanc? Thyme and lamb? Rosemary and Riesling?

In Taste Buds and Molecules, sommelier François Chartier, who has dedicated over twenty years of passionate research to the molecular relationships between wines and foods, reveals the fascinating answers to these questions and more. With an infectious enthusiasm, Chartier presents a revolutionary way of looking at food and wine, showing how to create perfect harmony between the two by pairing complementary (and often surprising) ingredients. The pages of this richly illustrated practical guide are brimming with photos, sketches, recipes from great chefs, and tips for creating everything from simple daily meals to tantalizing holiday feasts.

Wine amateurs and connoisseurs, budding cooks and professional chefs, and anyone who simply loves the pleasures of eating and drinking will be captivated and charmed by this journey into the hidden world of flavours.

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"An essential work for all those who love wine and the pleasures of the table in general."
— Dr. Richard Béliveau, bestselling author of Foods that Fight Cancer

"Let yourself be swept up by this magnificent book. . . . [This is] the first step into a new world that is now open wide in all its splendour to those who love gastronomy."
— Juli Soler and Ferran Adrià, elBulli restaurant

"If Catalan superchef Ferran Adrià is the leading missionary of molecular gastronomy, Mr. Chartier is his counterpart with a corkscrew."
— Globe and Mail

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Foreword by Juli Soler and Ferran Adrià, elBulli restaurant
Foreword by Dr. Richard Béliveau
Acknowledgments
Author Introduction
 

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTERS

The Culinary Revolution
Unleashed by the principles of food harmony and molecular sommellerie

Food Harmony and Molecular Sommellerie
The genesis of a new harmonious science balancing cuisine, wine, and wine and food pairings

elBulli
A trip into the universe of the “Best Restaurant in the World”

Aromas and Flavors
The fundamental importance of aromas in identifying and appreciating the taste of foods, wines, and beverages
 

CHAPTERS ON FOOD AND WINE PAIRING

Mint and Sauvignon Blanc
An open door into the world of anise-flavored foods and wines

Sotolon
The molecular chain linking vin jaune, curry, maple syrup, Sauternes, etc.

Fino and Oloroso
A veil of aromas with sherry wines

Oak and Barrels
Oak: The maestro of aromas and flavor enhancement

Beef
From the stockyard to the oven

Gewürztraminer/Ginger/Lychee/Scheurebe
Molecular family histories

Pineapple and Strawberries
A strange overlapping destiny

Cloves
The spice of the barrel

Rosemary
A Southerner… with an Alsatian profile!

Saffron
The Queen of Spices

Ginger
A seducer with a great power of attraction

Maple Syrup
The aromatic sap stamped with a Quebec identity

Quebecois and Classic European Cheeses
Tracking down their aromas

Cinnamon
A hot and sensual spice

Capsaicin
The “fiery” molecule in chili peppers

A Taste of Cold
Apples and other foods with refreshing flavors

Experiments in Food Harmony and Molecular Sommellerie
A molecular tasting meal with two master chefs

Mini Glossary
Bibliography

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FRANÇOIS CHARTIER is the only Canadian to be honoured with the prestigious Grand Prix Sopexa International as the world's best sommelier in French wines and spirits. He is the author of the bestselling À table avec François Chartier and publishes the annual guide La Sélection Chartier (in its 14th edition). He is currently conducting research on molecular harmonies and wine stewardship, a discipline that he originated. His pioneering work has led to collaborations with some of the world's greatest chefs, including the celebrated Ferran Adrià. In 2008, he recieved l'Ordre national du Québec, the highest distinction granted by the Quebec government.

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