For the first time in Got Somme history, Angus is using a spittoon.
For the first time ever our Master Somm is tasting clean skin wine.

In this episode, Angus and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos put six $5 clean skin wines under the microscope to answer a question we get asked all the time:

Are clean skin wines actually drinkable, or are they only good for cooking?

With six bottles on the table, including Sauvignon Blanc, two Chardonnays, Rosé and Shiraz, Carlos gives an honest, no-nonsense assessment of what’s worth drinking, what’s best kept for the kitchen, and what should probably go straight down the sink.

What Is a Clean Skin Wine?

Clean skin wines are bottles sold without a branded label. Often they are the result of:

• Oversupply from wineries

• Wines not making the cut for a producer’s main label

• Brand changes or ownership transitions

• Excess wine needing to be cleared quickly

In some cases, these wines may even come from large, well-known producers who simply can’t move stock fast enough in the current market.

Wines Tasted in This Episode:

All wines were purchased for approximately $5 per bottle.

• Sauvignon Blanc (2024)

• Chardonnay (modern branded clean skin)

• Chardonnay (traditional black-and-white clean skin)

• Rosé

• Shiraz

Each wine was assessed for aroma, palate, balance, drinkability and value for money.

The Results: Which $5 Wines Passed the Test? ✅ Drinkable at $5

According to Carlos, these wines are genuinely drinkable at the price point:

1. Sauvignon Blanc
   Fresh, fruity and recognisably Sauvignon Blanc in style. High acidity and noticeable sulfites, but surprisingly competitive in blind tasting against entry-level New Zealand styles.

2. Chardonnay (traditional clean skin label)
   Simple, short and one-dimensional, but balanced and inoffensive. Better on the palate than the nose and acceptable for casual drinking or food pairing at the price.

3. Shiraz
   The standout of the lineup. Peppery, dark fruit driven, recognisably Shiraz and the most enjoyable overall. Less aggressive sulfites due to tannin structure and the best value of the bunch.

❌ Best Left for Cooking

• Rosé

• Chardonnay (modern branded version)

These wines showed strong sulfite aromas, artificial flavours and lacked balance. Fine for slow cooking, sauces or reducing into a dish, but not recommended for drinking.

Does Wine Quality Matter When Cooking?

Carlos explains that for most everyday cooking, especially slow cooks like:

• Bolognese

• Stews

• Braises

There is little difference between using a $5 bottle and a $100 bottle. Once wine is reduced and cooked for hours, nuance disappears. Save the good stuff for the glass.

Final Verdict on Clean Skin Wines

• Clean skins can be drinkable

• Oversupply in the wine industry means quality can trickle down the price ladder

• At $5, expectations matter

• Some are fine for drinking responsibly

• Most are perfectly suitable for cooking

If you’re on a tight budget, a chilled glass from Carlos’s top three is acceptable. If you can stretch to $15–$20, you’ll still get more consistency and enjoyment.

Carlos’s Top Picks (In Order)

1. Shiraz

2. Chardonnay (traditional clean skin)

3. Sauvignon Blanc

Want to See the Bottles?

Head to @gotsomme on Instagram to see the exact labels tasted in this episode.

Have questions about clean skin wines?
Drop them in the comments. We reply to every single one.

Thanks for watching and we’ll see you on the next episode of Got Somme 🍷

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

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