LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Research into disease immunity during the pandemic has had an unexpected result in the world of wine tasting.
Vinotastr can tell you what wines you are likely to enjoy without having to crack open a bottle.
Dr. Jimmy White, Vinotastr co-creator and ENT doctor, said the idea came to him while researching a person's bitter taste receptors, which can indicate the level of immunity to disease.
"From that, we were able to to develop some treatment algorithms in early infection that would keep people from severe disease," White said. "And we could at least stratify who would really get severe infections and who would really handle the virus pretty easily."
White said he and the team began to think, if we can measure bitter taste receptors, what else, taste-wise, could be measured?
"The research that initially started during COVID translated to our taste preferences and something a little a little more fun," White said. "And we were able to apply that to wine first. And that's where this came from."
The Vinotastr features four strips that you put on your tongue, log what your taste of each is, enter it into the Vinotastr app, receive several wine recommendations.
"The moment you hit submit, it generates and curates three reds and three whites that would fit your taste profile," White said. "From that point on, you'll have your palate and your taste profile in your profile. It'll update periodically, give you new recommendations, but at least from that point forward, you'll know what your palate prefers."
You also might be asking yourself, what about other types of beverages? The plan is in the works to expand the scope of the test for other types of drinks, White said.
Currently, the Vinotastr is sold online, and at Marcello's in Lafayette. You can learn more on their website, Vinotastr.com.
