Electric Wine Tasting

Scientists in Spain have developed an "electronic tongue" designed to distinguish a good Pinot Noir from a cheap Chablis. The "e-tongue" is designed for wine quality control in the field and is based on tiny synthetic membranes on a silicone chip. The device, developed at the Barcelona Institute of Microelectronics, can distinguish between four grape varieties and its developers are working to extend its ability. Cecilia Jimenez-Jorquera said the device is similar to the human tongue in that it is sensitive to five different tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, acidic and umami (savory). The e-tongue can determine the age and variety of wine, and eventually might be able to "detect frauds committed regarding the vintage year of the wine, or the grape varieties used."