Got Somme : Master Sommelier's Wine Podcast

4d ago

In the final episode of Got Somme for 2025, Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos reflect on the year that was through the wines that defined it. Rather than revisiting bottles already featured on the podcast, Carlos reveals a personal Wine of the Year driven by memory, place and emotion. A Champagne enjoyed on a beach at sunset, oysters and lobster on hand, and a moment that perfectly captured why wine is never just about what is in the glass. Angus counters with his own standout wine of the year, an Australian Semillon that completely exceeded expectations and cut through a line-up of elite wines to steal the show. Along the way, they dive deep into Champagne ageing, Blanc de Blancs versus Brut styles, the importance of time on lees, the underrated ageing power of Australian Semillon, and why context and connection matter more than price tags. The episode also marks the end of an enormous year for Got Somme, celebrating huge audience growth and setting the stage for what is coming in 2026. SPONSOR: RIEDEL https://www.riedel.com/en/shop/riedel-superleggero-premium/champagne-wine-glass-642500028 (Australians use code: GOTSOMME New Zealand: GOTSOMMENZ at check out for 20% off) Key Takeaways: Wine of the Year is about moments, not price or prestige Blanc de Blanc Champagne prioritises freshness, acidity and elegance Time on lees dramatically changes Champagne texture and flavour Australian Semillon is one of the world’s most underrated ageing wines Some wines need patience before they truly show their potential Emotional connection often defines the wines we remember most Great wine clears the palate as much as it excites it Context, food and company can elevate a wine beyond expectation Wines Featured in This Episode Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Champagne Brokenwood ILR Semillon (Hunter Valley) Chapters 00:00 Wine of the Year reveal begins 01:20 Champagne glassware and tasting context 02:45 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs explained 04:50 Champagne ageing, lees and style differences 07:10 Why freshness beats brioche for some drinkers 09:20 Other standout Champagne moments of the year 11:40 Fortified wines and a historic Rutherglen tasting 13:30 Angus’ Wine of the Year reveal 15:30 Why Australian Semillon is so underrated 16:50 Ageing potential and future evolution 18:50 Got Somme audience growth and 2026 plans 21:00 Final reflections and sign off Welcome to Got Somme, the ultimate wine podcast where Master Sommeliers and wine experts share their tips, blind tasting challenges, and insider knowledge from vineyards around the world. Whether you’re a wine beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, we explore everything from wine education and wine tasting techniques to sparkling wines, red vs white, and the best wines under $30. Subscribe for weekly episodes and join us as we taste, learn, and uncover the stories behind your favourite wines. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their wine knowledge, discover new wine regions, or just enjoy a fun, educational chat about wine. This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 3

In this episode of Got Somme , Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos take you into one of Italy’s most iconic wine rivalries: Barolo vs Barbaresco . We break down everything from grape variety , regional differences , aging laws , price , aromas , palate structure , and why—despite their similarities—one of these wines consistently demands 30 to 40 percent more at retail. And yes… we revisit the infamous first attempt at this episode, where a $500 bottle of Barolo turned out to be faulty . Cork taint. Wet cardboard. Pain. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAmb5p34Q-I&t=20s If you’ve ever wondered: – Why is Barolo more expensive? – Can you actually tell them apart in a blind tasting? – What aromas define Nebbiolo? – Which wine should YOU be buying? …this is your episode. Watch Carlos Blind Taste this Barolo before we recorded the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31Sawb7Elp4&t=5s SPONSORS Grays.com Where we sourced today’s beautifully aged bottles → Buy well-stored, premium wine (and avoid the faulty disasters we once had) https://www.grays.com/search/wine RIEDEL We are tasting from the RIEDEL Performance Pinot Noir glasses—perfect for Nebbiolo’s aromatics. https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller (Australians use code: GOTSOMME New Zealand: GOTSOMMENZ at check out for 20% off) KEY MOMENTS & TAKEAWAYS 1. Barolo vs Barbaresco: What’s the Actual Difference? Both wines are made from Nebbiolo , grown in Piedmont, but come from different sub-regions: Barolo : Southwest of Alba, slightly cooler, higher altitude Barbaresco : Northeast of Alba, warmer, more perfumed Even though the geographical distance is small, the microclimate differences lead to two very different personalities in the glass. 2. Aging Laws That Drive the Price Barolo DOCG 38 months aging (At least 18 months in oak) Reserva: 62 months aging minimum (at least 18 months in oak) Barbaresco DOCG 26 months aging (9 months in oak) Reserva: 50 months aging (9 months in oak) Holding wine for 3–5 years before it earns $1 dramatically affects price—and explains why Barolo is typically more expensive. 3. Appearance: What Nebbiolo Looks Like Both wines show the classic: Brick/rust rim Light colour intensity Transparent core But today, the Barbaresco is noticeably lighter at the rim than the Barolo—something even Carlos says isn’t always the case. 4. Nose: The Aroma Clues Barbaresco More perfumed More lifted red fruits Floral (rose, dried flowers) Slightly softer aromas Barolo More rustic and powerful Leather Tar and asphalt Tobacco Darker, deeper aromatics Carlos also explains why Nebbiolo often shows “tar”—a hallmark of the grape and winemaking style. 5. Palate: Similar DNA, Different Personalities Both wines show: High tannin High acidity Elevated alcohol Intense structure But the Barbaresco presents as more elegant and delicate , while the Barolo pushes toward intensity, rustic tannin, and power . As Angus puts it: “They’re identical twins wearing different outfits.” FOLLOW GOT SOMME Instagram and TikTok: @GotSomme Studio bookings: SessionInProgress.com.au This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 19

In this episode, Angus and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos dive into Mencia , a red grape variety from the northwest of Spain that sits beautifully between Pinot Noir, Gamay and Syrah. If you love Pinot but want something a little richer, or you are looking for a gateway into bolder reds, Mencia might be your new favourite varietal. Carlos breaks down the regions of Bierzo and Galicia, how altitude and maritime influence shape the wine, and why Mencia has become a quiet favourite among sommeliers. Angus approaches the wine blind and shares how he assesses the colour, nose and palate as a novice working on his tasting skills. Perfect for wine lovers who want to expand beyond the usual Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet. Sponsors: RIEDEL Wine Glasses: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller (Australians use code: GOTSOMME New Zealand: GOTSOMMENZ at check out for 20% off) Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine Key Talking Points Mencia often sits between Pinot Noir and Syrah in weight and structure Mostly grown in Bierzo and Galicia in northwest Spain Expect red fruits , violet , rose , medium body and silky tannins A great option for Pinot Noir drinkers wanting something more generous Understanding how altitude, climate and maritime influence shape the style Why Spain’s wine renaissance in the late 20th century elevated Mencia Blind tasting approach for novices Chapters 00:00 — What is Mencia? Setting up the grape, why it’s confusing and why it matters. 00:16 — Why Pinot Noir Drinkers Should Try It Positioning Mencia for the Australian palate and explaining its style. 01:08 — Carlos’s First Encounters With Mencia Origin story, credibility and early exposure. 01:53 — What Mencia Tastes Like (Compared to Syrah, Gamay and Pinot) The clearest flavour and structure comparison. 02:30 — Is Mencia the Gateway Back to Bigger Reds? Bridging lighter drinkers to fuller styles. 03:32 — Blind Tasting: Appearance and Aroma The start of the formal assessment. 05:58 — Palate Breakdown Tannins, body, fruit profile, balance — the core tasting notes. 08:15 — Old World vs New World Guess Great chapter for wine geeks. 10:33 — Where Mencia Grows and Why It Matters Bierzo, Galicia, altitude, climate — the terroir chapter. 13:45 — Spain’s Wine Revival and Mencia’s Comeback History in context, tied to modern quality. 14:56 — Final Thoughts and What to Try Next Clear closing chapter. Tasting Notes (From the Episode) Appearance: Deep ruby, opaque core, richer colour than Gamay or Pinot Nose: Red roses, violets, ripe strawberry, raspberry, light pepper Palate: Medium body, silky tannins, red and black fruit mix, gentle warmth, balanced finish Alcohol: Listed at 13.5 percent Overall: Fruit forward, expressive, high quality for the price Mencia wine, Pinot Noir alternatives, Spanish red wine, Bierzo wine region, Galicia wine, Master Sommelier podcast, wine tasting tips, medium bodied red wine, Gamay vs Mencia, Syrah alternatives, GotSom podcast, Carlos Santos sommelier, Angus O'Loughlin wine This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 5

When you pick up a bottle of champagne, do you know what the letters RM or NM mean? In this episode of Got Somme , Carlos breaks down the codes behind the label and why they completely change the flavour, quality, and story inside your glass. From grower champagnes to the big houses like Krug, Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, we explore what makes one bottle taste unique while another stays consistent year after year. Carlos and Angus taste through five different styles — including Brut Nature , Rosé de Saignée , Grand Cru , and Vintage Champagne — explaining how sugar levels, vineyard ownership, and blending practices shape each glass. Whether you’re a champagne lover, a curious drinker, or just want to sound like you know your stuff next time you’re at the bar, this episode is for you. Sponsors: RIEDEL Wine Glasses: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller (Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 20% off) Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine In this episode: • What RM (Récoltant Manipulant) and NM (Négociant Manipulant) really mean • How rosé champagne gets its colour • The difference between Brut, Extra Brut, and Brut Nature • Why some bottles taste the same every year (and why that’s impressive) • What “Grand Cru” and “Premier Cru” actually represent • How Krug builds an “orchestra” of wines for each vintage Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction – Welcome to Got Somme & the focus on champagne 0:30 – RM vs NM – What these labels mean and why it matters 2:12 – Five Champagnes Tasted – Overview of the lineup 3:36 – Grower Champagne & Personal Picks – Why RM is sought after 5:02 – Big Houses & Consistency – How Moët, Veuve Clicquot, Krug blend wines 7:22 – Orchestra Analogy – How Krug’s cellar master blends hundreds of wines 9:46 – Vintage vs Non-Vintage – Differences in aging and style 12:07 – Unique Grapes & Pinot Blanc/Gris – Expanding beyond classic varieties 13:50 – Rosé Champagnes – How color is created and pressing techniques 16:06 – Brut vs Brut Nature vs Extra Brut – Sugar levels and taste impact 18:32 – Premier Cru & Grand Cru – Top regions & why it matters 20:17 – Tasting RM Producers – Frederic Savard, Paul de Tune & others 22:08 – Vintage Champagne Explained – Aging requirements and complexity 25:14 – Takeaways on Labels & Buying Tips – NM vs RM insights 26:53 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action – Engage with us & subscrib This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 22

Master Sommelier Carlos Santos uncovers the surprising versatility of this one food that pairs beautifully with wine. Cooking the same ingredient three ways, Carlos shares expert advice on which wines—from Champagne to Riesling and Sherry—best compliment each preparation. Dive into the fundamentals of food and wine pairing, learn how to consider flavour intensity, and discover why creativity matters in pairing dishes with wines. This episode also highlights why this food goes beyond breakfast, proving their culinary potential at any meal. Sponsors: RIEDEL Wine Glasses: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller (Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 20% off) Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine Key Takeaways A single ingredient can transform your wine pairing choices. The most versatile foods for wine pairing. Spicy dishes can make wine pairing more challenging. Scrambled eggs pair beautifully with Champagne. Riesling enhances the delicate flavours of poached eggs. Sherry adds richness to egg-based dishes. Understanding flavour intensity is crucial for successful pairing. Creativity allows for unique and exciting food and wine matches. Classic pairings have stood the test of time for a reason. Episode Chapters 00:00 The Versatility of Eggs in Wine Pairing 05:10 Exploring Different Egg Preparations 11:11 Fundamentals of Food and Wine Pairing 17:00 Egg Dishes Beyond Breakfast Welcome to Got Somme, the ultimate wine podcast where Master Sommeliers and wine experts share their tips, blind tasting challenges, and insider knowledge from vineyards around the world. Whether you’re a wine beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, we explore everything from wine education and wine tasting techniques to sparkling wines, red vs white, and the best wines under $30. Subscribe for weekly episodes and join us as we taste, learn, and uncover the stories behind your favourite wines. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their wine knowledge, discover new wine regions, or just enjoy a fun, educational chat about wine. This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 8

In this episode of Got Somme , Carlos and Angus explore the fascinating world of aged wine by tasting two vintages of the Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier — one from 2002 and another from 2022 . Together, we uncover how time transforms wine, from its colour and aroma to its structure and flavour. We dive into the importance of wine closures , the art of decanting older bottles , and how visual differences like hue and clarity can reveal a wine’s journey. Through this side-by-side tasting, we reveal how aging develops complexity , showcasing the elegance of well-crafted Shiraz Viognier over two decades. Beyond tasting notes, we'll reflect on their personal connection to the Clonakilla label and its place in the history of Got Somme . Whether you’re a casual drinker or a dedicated collector, this episode celebrates the beauty of aged Australian wine and the passage of time in every bottle. Key Takeaways Aged wine offers a unique journey through time . Closures play a major role in how wine matures. Visual cues —colour and clarity—signal a wine’s age and development. Tasting notes evolve over time, revealing complex layers. Decanting aged wines enhances aroma and smoothness. Comparing different vintages offers insight into craftsmanship and climate. The Shiraz Viognier blend holds historical and regional significance. Wine can evoke personal memories and connections . The 2002 vintage showcases the art of patient aging. Both wines tell distinct yet equally compelling stories . Chapters 00:00 – Aged Wine: A Journey Through Time 02:54 – The Evolution of Wine Closures 06:05 – Tasting Notes: Comparing 2002 and 2022 08:45 – The Significance of Shiraz Viognier 11:42 – Decanting and Serving Recommendations 14:43 – Final Thoughts on Wine Comparisons This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24

Is this really Australia’s best wine ? The 2024 Thistledown “Charming Man” Single Vineyard Old Vine Grenache has just been awarded Wine of the Year, Red Wine of the Year, and Grenache of the Year at the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards . In this episode of Got Somme , Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos taste and review the $95 Grenache to see if it lives up to the hype. You’ll hear from winemaker Giles Cook MW on what makes this single vineyard McLaren Vale Grenache so special, plus Carlos breaks down how to assess Grenache vs Pinot Noir on colour, nose, palate, and ageing potential. We tackle the “Poor Man’s Pinot” debate, explore the history of Grenache in Australia (Barossa & McLaren Vale old vines), and ask: is this wine really worth $95—or more than $300 on a restaurant wine list? Sponsors: RIEDEL Wine Glasses: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine Socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gotsommepodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotsomme What you’ll learn in this episode: Why Grenache is making a comeback in Australia. How climate change has influenced Grenache’s popularity. The key differences between Grenache and Pinot Noir. What makes the Halliday Wine Companion judging process unique. How to taste Grenache like a sommelier (colour, nose, palate, finish). Featured Wine: 2024 Thistledown “Charming Man” Single Vineyard Old Vine Grenache (McLaren Vale, South Australia). Watch: Halliday Wine Companion Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhZJshq0FUk This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 10

The Wine That Changed My Life: Blind Tasting 12 Australian Gamays What happens when you put Australia’s best Gamay producers head-to-head in a blind tasting? In this episode, host Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos sit down with 12 bottles, including cult favourite Sorrenberg Gamay , to uncover which Australian Gamay truly stands out. From Geelong to Gippsland, Beechworth to the Adelaide Hills , we pour, swirl, and sip our way through an extraordinary lineup that showcases the diversity, vibrancy, and rising reputation of Gamay in Australia. In This Episode: The story of the 2019 Sorenberg Gamay – the wine that changed Angus’s life Blind tasting 12 Australian Gamays side by side How terroir, whole bunch fermentation, oak, and acidity play into style and balance The difference between approachable, fruit-driven Gamay vs. high-end, complex bottlings Which Gamays deliver value under $40 – and which bottles justify $80+ Featured Wines: Sorrenberg Gamay (Beechworth) Bass Phillip Gamay (Gippsland) Farr Rising Gamay (Geelong) Bannockburn Gamay (Geelong) Sinapius Gamay (Tasmania) Timo Mayer (Yarra Valley) Gum Wines Gamay (Heathcote) Catlin 'Gallard' Gamay (Adelaide Hills) Lyon’s Will Estate Gamay (Macedon Ranges) Beyond the Pines 'Wind River' Gamay (Adelaide Hills) Eldridge Estate Gamay (Mornington Peninsula) …and more. Why Listen? If you’ve ever wondered where Australian Gamay sits compared to Beaujolais , or which bottles deserve a place in your cellar, this is the tasting for you. Whether you’re a casual drinker, a sommelier, or a collector, this episode brings insider knowledge, lively debate, and plenty of laughs along the way. This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.