Vino Sense

Capturing The Personality Of Wines

Roberto Viernes — 2012-01-25T10:00:04+00:00

You should know by now that the first thing I recommend for people who want to appreciate their wines better is to smell and taste everything all the fruits in every market, take note of the smells when you are at the garden or flower store

Wines, Like People, Can Disappoint

Roberto Viernes — 2012-01-18T10:00:23+00:00

You know the feeling: You are expecting to have something great happen, but instead it turns out to be mediocre. The dish looks so good with a beautiful presentation, but it’s not seasoned. You order the chocolate decadence cake, but it’s made of milk chocolate instead of dark. Your blind date is supposed to be good-looking and fun, but turns out to be a dud.

Building Bridges For People’s Palates

Roberto Viernes — 2012-01-11T10:00:54+00:00

Bridges are built to transport people or things from one place to another because of inaccessibility or for convenience. There are certain wines that build bridges for people’s palates as well. They can be from one varietal to another, or even from one world to another.

Looking Ahead To Wine Trends In 2012

Roberto Viernes — 2012-01-04T10:00:28+00:00

1) I think the ultimate fate of the Euro, which could be disappearing, will have a huge impact on wine imports from Europe.

What’s New Year’s Without Champagne?

Roberto Viernes — 2011-12-28T10:00:33+00:00

I must say that I really looked forward to the neighborhood fireworks shows every New Year’s Eve. Alas, there will be no more of that, at least in Honolulu.

The Joy Of Christmas In A Bottle Of Wine

Roberto Viernes — 2011-12-21T10:00:33+00:00

I’m a bit tired of and/or over-stimulated by all the advertising and promotions of Christmas. Aren’t you? Everywhere I look, there is a Christmas SALE. “The more you spend, the more you save. But wait, there’s more.” So I am not going to overload you anymore with the latest greatest gift to get your best wine-loving friend or family member. I’ve been recommending wines all year.

The Meaning Of Christmas In Wine

Roberto Viernes — 2011-12-14T10:00:01+00:00

Yay! Christmas will be here soon. I am reminded that Jesus is the “reason for the season.” And I got to thinking about some special wines that have something to do with the Christ theme he is credited with turning water to wine, after all. There are many special wines to be drunk at our Christmas celebrations, and these are just some of them with some particularly interesting names and stories behind them.

Memorable Wine Moments Of 2011

Roberto Viernes — 2011-12-07T10:00:32+00:00

Wine Spectator magazine recently released its Top 100 Wines of the Year. I would not be as bold as to put together a “top 100 wines of my year,” but each year I do look back and remember the most memorable wines and wine moments of the past year.

Sommelier Isn’t French For Snob

Roberto Viernes — 2011-11-30T10:00:31+00:00

One of my friends just sent me a really cool article on Gizmodo.com about a new glass bottle replacement that is made out of paper! Isn’t that cool? It weighs only 50 grams in comparison to the 500 grams of a regular glass bottle. It is lined with a sealed foil bladder on the inside so that the wine is not in contact with the paper. You can imagine it is much more eco-friendly.

A Lineup Of Wines For Thanksgiving

Roberto Viernes — 2011-11-23T10:00:24+00:00

Thanksgiving is upon us, and many people are asking me what I recommend this year for their wonderful celebrations. But instead of regaling my readers about what pairs with the turkey, stuffing, dressings, dessert, etc., I figured I would actually put together some really nice recommendations at different price points and budgets in order for everyone to be able to enjoy the holiday with some really stylish wines.