The Spirit of Wine Summary

Wine is, of course, a well-known and universal aphrodisiac. It dilates the blood vessels, which prolongs erection, and it lessens inhibitions, relaxes, and fosters joy. There are many misconceptions about what kind of wine to serve in which situation. Winemaking and tasting is an ancient and elaborate art, about which Allende admits ignorance, but she has learned and shared some basic principles in this chapter.

Though wine makes Allende lightheaded and uninhibited, she has always wanted a wine cellar like the ones her grandparents and her mother had when she was growing up. Once a year, the family traveled to famous vineyards to purchase wine that was stored in the cellars, typically aged for five years or more. For special occasions, a reserve from one of the best Chilean vineyards was chosen.

While Allende's stepfather was stationed...