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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Wa wa wee wa"

In this episode of Got Somme, our hosts take you on a journey through two fascinating and lesser-known wine regions: Kazakhstan and Georgia. Featuring a listener’s selection of bottles, we explore the unexpected elegance of a Kazakhstan Pinot Noir and the bold character of a Georgian Saperavi. Along the way, we'll discuss tasting notes, cultural traditions, and winemaking techniques that set these regions apart.

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

 

Key Takeaways

• Kazakhstan wines can surprise with unique flavours and quality.
• Listener participation makes wine discovery more engaging.
• Dr. Meyer stands out for low-intervention winemaking.
• Comparing regions reveals striking differences in style and character.
• Georgian wines are rooted in ancient traditions and native varieties.
• Tasting notes evolve as wines breathe in the glass.
• Serving temperature plays a crucial role in how wine is experienced.
• Cultural context enriches the wine-tasting journey.
• Wine discovery often involves unexpected aromas and flavours.

 

Chapters

00:00 – Exploring Unique Wines from Kazakhstan

02:40 – Listener’s Choice: Wines from Kazakhstan and Georgia

05:43 – Tasting and Comparing: Dr. Meyer vs. Kazakhstan Pinot Noir

08:36 – Diving into Georgian Wines: The Saperavi Experience

11:40 – Reflections on Wine Culture and History 1

4:29 – Final Thoughts and Future Wine Adventures

This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how one grape tells two stories. Rhône Valley Syrah meets Heathcote Shiraz in a tasting that uncorks terroir, trends, and label politics.

Syrah and Shiraz share identical genetics yet walk very different cultural paths. In this episode of Got Somme, we taste benchmark bottles from France’s Rhône Valley alongside Heathcote, Victoria, to reveal how soil, climate, and marketing shape each wine’s personality. You'll learn why cooler-climate Australian producers are embracing the term “Syrah", how Cambrian soil defines Heathcote Shiraz, and what these trends mean for Australia’s export future.

We alos want to know your thoughts on what defines labelling Syrah on Australian bottles?

Sponsors:

• RIEDEL Wine Glasses: RIEDEL Superleggero Hermitage/Syrah https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/riedel-superleggero-premium/hermitage-syrah-642500041 
• 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

Key Takeaways

• One grape, two personas: “Syrah” signals elegance while “Shiraz” hints at bold generosity.

• Labels guide perception: Name choice influences consumer expectations before the first sip.

• Terroir tells the truth: Rhône delivers peppery finesse, Heathcote offers mineral-driven power.

• Trends are cyclical: Market demand swings between delicate and full-bodied styles.

• Blind tasting wins: Remove the label and let origin and craftsmanship speak louder.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Syrah vs Shiraz Debate

• 02:50 French Style Deep-Dive

• 06:03 Rhône vs Heathcote Tasting Notes

• 08:55 Shiraz’s Evolution in Australia

• 11:38 Reading the Label: Syrah or Shiraz

• 14:38 Looking Ahead: Future of Australian Shiraz

 

This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Natural wine" words strong enough to make a Somms knees weak.

The low-intervention style that's gaining traction across wine bars, bottle shops, and dinner tables globally. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a curious sipper, this episode offers insights into the natural wine movement, its differences from organic wine, and why pet-nats (pétillant naturels) are popping up on every trendy wine list.

Master Sommelier Carlos Santos unpacks key elements of natural winemaking, the certifications (or lack thereof), and why taste profiles can be wildly different from conventional wines. They share firsthand experiences from the wine industry, discuss how terroir and fermentation practices influence flavour, and answer audience questions about pairing and building inclusive wine lists.

Whether you're researching what natural wine means, how it’s made, or just looking to better understand organic vs natural wine, this episode is a go-to resource.

So use your roll on crystal deodorant, face the tidal moon and take your shows of and earth yourself while enjoying this episode!

Sponsors:

• RIEDEL Superleggero Champagne Wine Glass: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/riedel-superleggero-premium/champagne-wine-glass-642500028 
• RIEDEL Veloce Chardonnay: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/veloce/chardonnay-633000097 
• RIEDEL Performance Pinot Noir: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/performance/pinot-noir-688400067 
• 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

Key Takeaways:

• Natural wines are increasingly popular with younger wine drinkers and urban markets.

• Organic wines are certified; natural wines are not, but both prioritise sustainability.

• Pet-nats are bottled before fermentation ends, creating natural fizz from trapped CO₂.

• Low-intervention winemaking avoids additives and heavy filtering.

• Natural wines vary widely in taste depending on winemaker choices and vineyard conditions.

• Great wine lists balance personal taste with broad appeal for all customers.

• Terroir and winemaking technique are key to flavour, especially in natural wine.

• Don’t be afraid to pair natural wines with unexpected foods for unique results.

• Engaging with audiences drives better wine education and community.

• Grenache may thrive in warmer climates due to climate change.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Natural Wines
02:54 – Organic vs Natural Wine: Key Differences
05:59 – What Are Pet-Nats? Flavour and Production Explained
08:45 – Why Natural Wines Are Trending
11:52 – Tasting Notes: Exploring Unique Natural Wines
14:42 – Terroir, Techniques, and Taste
17:47 – Q&A: Real Questions From Curious Wine Drinkers

This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Got Somme, hosts Angus O’Loughlin and Carlos Santos dive into the world of champagne, putting the spotlight on two iconic but often overlooked labels: Piper Heidsieck and Bollinger. From sustainability in champagne production to the bold taste of oak-aged wines, this episode is packed with insights that go beyond the bottle.

Whether you’re stocking up for an event, planning a wine tasting, or just want better bang-for-buck than Moët & Veuve, this is the wine podcast episode for you.

Sponsors:

• RIEDEL Superleggero Champagne Wine Glass: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/riedel-superleggero-premium/champagne-wine-glass-642500028 
• 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

🍾 Key Takeaways:

• Champagne isn't just for midnight toasts — it's a drink for any time of day.

• Piper Heidsieck delivers incredible value in the non-vintage champagne category.

• Bollinger is rich, bold, and complex thanks to its oak barrel fermentation.

• Sustainability is a growing priority in champagne production.

• Champagne is more than a drink — it's a cultural icon and social signal.

• Bigger production often means lower prestige — but not always.

• Personal champagne memories can shape your taste forever.

• Champagne pairs beautifully with food — think beyond oysters.

• Sugar levels matter! Brut vs Extra Brut changes everything.

• Both Piper Heidsieck and Bollinger deserve a place in your fridge.

🕒 Chapters:

• 00:00 — Champagne Recommendations for Every Occasion

• 03:00 — Exploring Piper Heidsieck and Bollinger

• 05:51 — The Prestige of Champagne: Brand Comparisons

• 08:52 — Sustainability in Champagne Production

• 12:03 — The Influence of Champagne in Pop Culture

• 14:56 — Personal Champagne Experiences and Recommendations

This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.