Got Somme : Master Sommelier's Wine Podcast

Carlos is back from Portugal with a tan, a cellar full of memories and a very rare bottle to share.In this episode of Got Somme, Angus and Carlos unpack Carlos’ recent trip home, from rediscovering beautifully evolved Portuguese wines from 2008 and 2014 to seeing how dramatically Portugal’s restaurant scene and wine culture have developed.They also settle a surprisingly heated Instagram debate about cork length, ageing wine in large-format bottles and why a shorter cork is not always a bad sign.Then comes the main event: a 600-bottle (total) Pinot Noir from Portugal’s Douro Valley. Carlos sees elegance, freshness and a fascinating expression of an international variety in one of Portugal’s most iconic wine regions. Angus? He is less convinced.Is it a brilliant, unexpected Pinot Noir, or simply a wine speaking a language your palate does not yet understand?Sponsor: RIEDELUse code GOTSOMME or GOTSOMMENZ at checkout for 25% off RIEDEL Performance Pinot Noir glasses. Chapters:00:00 – Carlos returns from Portugal01:06 – A look inside Carlos’ Portuguese cellar02:20 – Portugal’s evolving restaurant and wine scene04:25 – The Instagram controversy: why was the cork so short?05:20 – Cork length, oxygen and ageing large-format bottles07:46 – Opening a six-litre bottle for a family celebration08:17 – Introducing a rare Douro Valley Pinot Noir09:00 – Why Portuguese wine is built around native varieties10:42 – Douro’s extreme vineyard conditions11:32 – Angus gives the wine an honest review12:36 – When a wine “speaks Portuguese” to your palate13:56 – Only 600 bottles: is this Pinot Noir worth seeking out?Portuguese wine, Portugal Pinot Noir, Douro Valley wine, Douro Pinot Noir, rare wine, Portuguese wine regions, Carlos Santos, Got Somme, wine podcast Australia, Pinot Noir review, natural wine Portugal, Quinta de Toraj, Portuguese restaurants, wine cork length, large format wine bottles, RIEDEL Pinot Noir glass.

This wine breaks every assumption.It looks like a rosé.It drinks like something from Italy.But it’s neither.In this episode of Got Somme, we put a mystery wine in front of a Master Sommelier for a full blind tasting. No labels. No hints. Just colour, aroma, texture and instinct.Decanter and Glassware: RIEDELhttps://www.riedel.com/en-auUse Code GOTSOMME for 20% off (Australia Only)We break down:Why this wine looks like rosé but isn’tThe flavour markers that suggest Italy (and why they’re misleading)How structure, acid and mouthfeel reveal the truthWhat most people get wrong when tasting blindAnd the final reveal of what this wine actually isIf you love blind wine tastings, sommeliers at work, or learning how to taste wine properly without the snobbery, this one’s for you.Subscribe for more blind tastings, wine myths busted, and deep dives into how great wine really works.#BlindWineTasting #WineTasting #Sommelier #NotRosé #WineEducation #GotSomme #WineBlindTasting #WinePodcastWelcome 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.

Fortified wines might be some of the most misunderstood wines in the world — often dismissed as “old-fashioned,” too sweet, or too strong. In this episode of Got Somme, Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos dive deep into the world of Sherry, Port, and Pedro Ximénez, unpacking why these wines deserve far more attention than they get. From the Sherry Triangle in southern Spain to the steep vineyards of the Douro Valley in Portugal, Carlos breaks down how fortified wines are made, why they’re aged the way they are, and how styles like Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, Tawny Port, Ruby Port, LBV, and Vintage Port all differ. Along the way, Angus shares a deeply personal memory of secretly drinking his grandmother’s sherry after school, while Carlos explains how some fortified wines can literally be hundreds of years old, growing thicker, darker, and more concentrated over generations. They also tackle the big question: Why did fortified wines fall out of favour, and what would it take to make them cool again? If you think fortified wines are uncool, overly sweet, or irrelevant — this episode might completely change your mind. SPONSORS Grays.com https://www.grays.com/search/wine RIEDEL https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller (Australians use code: GOTSOMME New Zealand: GOTSOMMENZ at check out for 20% off)   Chapters & Timestamps  00:00 – Welcome back to Got Somme (and a fortified wine confession) Angus kicks off 2026 with a story involving his grandmother, WWF, and sherry. 02:00 – Why fortified wines are misunderstood Alcohol, sugar, warmth — and why modern drinkers avoid them. 02:40 – What is Sherry? The Sherry Triangle explained Jerez, Puerto de Santa María, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. 04:05 – Sherry styles explained (Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso) Biological vs oxidative ageing, flor yeast, and flavour profiles. 06:30 – Pedro Ximénez: how a white grape turns black and sticky Sun-dried grapes, raisining, and extreme concentration. 08:20 – A wine memory that unlocks childhood nostalgia Angus realises he’s been drinking sherry since high school. 10:30 – Australian fortified wines & Rutherglen legends Chambers, ancient barrels, and wines that predate living memory. 12:40 – Port explained: Douro Valley to Porto Why port is made in one place and aged in another. 15:00 – Why fortified wines feel “uncool” today Generational drinking shifts, stigma, and missed opportunities. 17:30 – How Spain made sherry relevant again through food Chefs, Michelin stars, and smart cultural positioning. 20:00 – Port styles explained: Tawny vs Ruby vs Vintage How ageing works and why vintage port can outlive you. 22:30 – Big Got Somme goals for 2026 Touring, international wineries, and what’s next for the show. 24:10 – Final thoughts and a fortified farewell Saúde.   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=itemsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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=itemsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 ItPositioning Mencia for the Australian palate and explaining its style. 01:08 — Carlos’s First Encounters With MenciaOrigin 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 AromaThe start of the formal assessment. 05:58 — Palate BreakdownTannins, body, fruit profile, balance — the core tasting notes. 08:15 — Old World vs New World GuessGreat chapter for wine geeks. 10:33 — Where Mencia Grows and Why It MattersBierzo, Galicia, altitude, climate — the terroir chapter. 13:45 — Spain’s Wine Revival and Mencia’s ComebackHistory in context, tied to modern quality. 14:56 — Final Thoughts and What to Try NextClear closing chapter. Tasting Notes (From the Episode) Appearance: Deep ruby, opaque core, richer colour than Gamay or PinotNose: Red roses, violets, ripe strawberry, raspberry, light pepperPalate: Medium body, silky tannins, red and black fruit mix, gentle warmth, balanced finishAlcohol: Listed at 13.5 percentOverall: 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 wineThis podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=itemsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.