Introduction

Decanted

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Excerpt

prologue
Montmartre, Paris June 1936

Marciel erased the asymmetrical portion of the figure model’s right breast and corrected it with his pencil. Though he’d been studying nudes since his first days at L’Académie, it still surprised him how few women had two bosoms that matched each other in size and shape. But the model’s anatomy wasn’t the reason he’d sent her away the previous day before her session had ended. It was rather that she lacked that special something—that elusive élément magique that would inspire him to take his sketch to canvas. Between touch-ups of the drawing, he checked his watch for what seemed like the hundredth time in the past hour. Phillipe had assured him that his new model would be there at two p.m., and it was already half-past three. He decided to give her ten more minutes, before he’d pack up his pastels and easel and head to the Place du Tertre to take advantage of the waves of tourists that flocked to Montmartre in summer. His gift of capturing the outer beauty, as well as what lay beneath the surface of his subjects made him one of the more successful portrait artists on the hill. Those commissions put food on his table, but did nothing to further his chances of getting recognized by the only people that mattered to unknown artists like himself—the dealers at the galleries on Paris’ Rue Laffitte. Another look at his watch reminded him that while time was running out for the model, it was running out for him as well. He’d turned thirty last month and had yet to get one of his paintings up on a gallery wall. Picasso was a celebrated artist by age nineteen. Chagall made a name for himself in his early twenties. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. What is the significance of the title Decanted as it relates to the story?

2. What did you learn about wine and the winemaking process from the book?

3. Has this book changed the choices you might make when purchasing wine and tasting wine?

4. Who was your favorite character in the book? Why?

5. How did the ending make you feel? Do you think that the main character made the right decision?

6. Do you think that the story of Aunt Vivian tied in nicely with the main story?

7. Do you think that Julien really loved Samantha, or was he more interested in having a partner to keep his family's business flourishing.

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