No Spitting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape Summary and Analysis

In the oppressive heat of August, Peter decides to travel to the small town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the wine country. He was invited by his friend, Michel, a professional wine taster, to visit the famous wine caves of the region.

Peter tastes samples of the various wines—at first the whites, then the roses and then the darker, more potent reds. Fearing he may become sick or tipsy, Peter asks Michel if it would be acceptable after swishing the wine around in his mouth to spit out some of the wine samples. Michel feels that it would not be appropriate. At lunch time, Michel, with several cases of wine in hand, tells Peter and six other visitors to follow him to a nearby restaurant. Michel drives so fast that Peter almost...