"—Amarone, also known in Italian as 'great bitter,' is, like Rome's ancient sacred wine, made using the appassimento method. It carries powerful aromas of dried fruit and raisins. Though it does not taste astringent, it also lacks the cloying sweetness of Bordeaux or Nebbiolo. It is an exceptionally charming wine."
"But I have always felt that flavor is not where a wine's true charm lies. A wine's quality depends more on its origin and its time... Whether it suits you depends on how well it fits the atmosphere and mood you are in when drinking."
"Like this Amarone. I think what makes it more fascinating is its history and provenance..."
Zheng Qing followed Andrew into the office, listening to him ramble on about wine as two glasses flew out of the cabinet with a clink and clatter, chiming crisply against each other before landing steadily on the desk.
The owner of the office unwrapped the paper bag in his hand, revealing a wine bottle with a long, slender neck.
The cork popped free.
Deep crimson wine was poured into one of the glasses.
Just as Andrew was about to pour wine into the glass before Zheng Qing, the boy promptly stopped him. "Sorry, I don't know much about wine..."
"That is what drunks say most often before they become drunks."
The short, fat wizard blinked. Though he had not yet drunk any wine, his eyes already carried a slightly tipsy look. Grinning, he pushed Zheng Qing's hand away and resolutely poured him a tiny amount.
"Have a taste. You are too tense right now, and staying like this for too long will do you no good... What were we talking about just now? Oh, right, the history and provenance of wine... Amarone comes from Valpolicella in Veneto. More famous than