Got Somme' is a podcast for wine lovers who know nothing about what's in their glass. We aim to educate you on types, tannins and taste to producers, appellations and age. We speak to the best winemakers in the world finding out how they make the wine that has captured the attention of Master Sommelier Carlos Santos. Carlos will aim to teach radio announcer and novice wine enthusiast Angus O'Loughlin how to discern a good wine from a bad and empower listeners with a skill set good enough to choose the table wine next time you have friends over.
Is The Standish Wine Company producing the best Shiraz in Australia, and potentially the world? In this episode of Got Somme, Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos taste two extraordinary Australian Shiraz wines: the highly acclaimed Standish Lamella and the exceptionally rare Andelmonde. Andelmonde has returned after a six-year absence and was only available to customers who purchased the entire Standish collection. With tiny production numbers, immediate sell-outs and two 100-point wines in the range, these bottles have become some of the most difficult Australian wines to find. Carlos breaks down the intense floral aromas, violet, lavender, dark fruit, chocolate, spice, graphite, acidity and fine-grained tannins found across both wines. The pair also discuss how long these powerful Barossa and Eden Valley Shiraz wines could age, why Standish wines benefit from being opened well in advance and whether decanting can unlock their full potential. They also compare the experience of serving a cult wine such as Lamella with opening an iconic Australian bottle like Penfolds Grange or Henschke Hill of Grace. Are wine drinkers paying purely for quality, or does history, prestige and recognition transform a bottle into an experience? Plot Twist: Isaac Smith and Elliot Garnaut from No Utes in the Valet also join the tasting to deliver their completely unfiltered verdicts on both wines. https://open.spotify.com/show/4jXDhJmoW2pHFSW2z5Kygvhttps://www.instagram.com/noutesinthevalet/ Shop the RIEDEL range here:https://www.riedel.com/en-au- Australian listeners can get 25% off at checkout using the code: GOTSOMME In this episode: • Standish Lamella Shiraz tasting and review • The return of the rare Standish Andelmonde Shiraz • What makes a 100-point Australian wine? • Barossa Valley Shiraz compared with Eden Valley Shiraz • How long premium Australian Shiraz can age • When to decant or slow-oxygenate young red wine • Standish compared with Penfolds Grange and Hill of Grace • Whether wine scores and critic ratings really matter • Isaac Smith and Elliot Garnaut taste Standish blind Subscribe to Got Somme for blind wine tastings, Australian winery stories, premium wine reviews and the search for the best-value wines in Australia.Let us know in the comments: would you choose Standish Lamella, Andelmonde or a bottle of Penfolds Grange? #AustralianWine #Shiraz #BarossaValley #StandishWineCompany #WinePodcast #WineTasting #Lamella #Andelmonde #PenfoldsGrange #GotSomme
In this episode of Got Somme, Angus and Carlos are joined by Mark Baulderstone from RIEDEL Australia and New Zealand for a full glassware masterclass. Same wine. Three different glasses. Completely different results. Mark takes us through the philosophy behind varietal-specific glassware, why the right glass acts as the “translator” between the winemaker and the drinker, and how shape, height, rim diameter and design can change the way a wine smells, tastes and feels. We also explore the new RIEDEL Manufaktur range, a handmade collection that celebrates craft, function and the beauty of imperfection. Shop the RIEDEL Manufaktur range here: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/collections/riedel-manufaktur Australian listeners can get 25% off at checkout using the code: GOTSOMME Follow RIEDEL: @riedel_official Follow Mark: @riedel_mark.baulderstone In this episode: • Why one wine tastes different in multiple glasses • The difference between universal glassware and varietal-specific glassware • Why Chardonnay deserves its own glass • What makes RIEDEL Manufaktur unique • Handmade glassware, imperfections and craftsmanship • Why wine temperature matters more than most people think • Mark’s favourite RIEDEL glasses • The best wine experience of Mark’s life
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: RIEDEL Use 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.
In this episode of the Got Somme Blind Wine Series, Angus throws Carlos Santos, Master Sommelier, one of the hardest blind tastings yet. The twist? The wine is served in a fully blacked-out RIEDEL blind tasting glass, meaning Carlos can’t see the colour, viscosity or clarity. It could be Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Grüner Veltliner or even something completely unexpected. As Carlos works through the aromas, structure, acid, body and flavour profile, the wine starts to point in every direction at once. Fresh citrus, green apple, pear, almond shell, savoury texture and a salty finish all suggest a white wine, but the reveal leaves both Angus and Carlos genuinely stunned. The wine? Bianco di Merlot from Switzerland. Thanks https://invidiawines.com/ Yes, a white wine made from Merlot. This is one of the most surprising blind tastings we’ve done on Got Somme, and a perfect example of how much colour influences the way we assess wine. Episode Highlights - Angus introduces the RIEDEL black blind tasting glass - Carlos explains why colour is so important in blind wine tasting - The wine presents as fresh, citric and savoury - Carlos considers Chablis, Grüner Veltliner, Müller-Thurgau, Aligoté, Chasselas and Sylvaner - The reveal shocks both Angus and Carlos - Carlos explains why Bianco di Merlot would be almost impossible to identify blind Chapters 00:00 – “I didn’t even know this could happen” 00:07 – Blind wine tasting with a twist 00:17 – The RIEDEL blacked-out glass reveal 00:33 – Why colour matters in blind tasting 01:22 – Carlos begins assessing the wine 01:51 – First guesses: Chablis, Grüner Veltliner or Pinot Grigio? 02:32 – Angus admits he was way off 02:49 – Carlos narrows down the options 03:33 – The shocking wine reveal 03:38 – White Merlot from Switzerland 04:05 – How can Merlot become a white wine? 04:27 – Why this is an impossible blind tasting
Everyone knows Margaret River. But just north of one of Australia's most famous wine regions sits Geographe — home to passionate growers, boutique producers and some of the country's best-value wines. After discovering a Geographe Chardonnay by chance, Angus found himself heading down a rabbit hole of wines from a region he'd barely explored before. A few weeks later, a chance meeting at the Good Food & Wine Show led to this conversation with Ryan from Aylesbury Estate. Joined by Master Sommelier Carlos Santos, the team explores what makes Geographe one of Australia's most exciting emerging wine regions. Stretching between Perth and Margaret River, Geographe combines coastal influence, elevated vineyard sites and a growing reputation for exceptional Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and alternative grape varieties. Ryan shares his family's 150-year farming story, explains why Geographe consistently overdelivers on value and discusses the collaborative spirit driving the region's future. Along the way, the team tastes wines from Aylesbury Estate, Willow Bridge Estate and Vineyard 28 while discussing why Australian wine lovers should be paying much closer attention to what's happening north of Margaret River. If you've never explored Geographe wines before, this episode might just convince you to start. Check out all the wineries (and visit them) here: https://www.geographewine.com.au/visit-our-region/ In this episode: 🍷 Why Geographe is different from Margaret River🍷 The rise of alternative grape varieties in Australia🍷 Why boutique producers are thriving🍷 Cabernet Sauvignon that truly tastes like Cabernet🍷 The incredible value hidden in lesser-known wine regions🍷 Why buying direct from producers matters more than ever🍷 The future of Australian wine Featured Producers & Wines • Aylesbury Estate• Willow Bridge Estate• Vineyard 28• Green Door Wines• Talisman Wines Chapters 00:00 Why Geographe Is Australia's Hidden Wine Gem02:02 Meeting Ryan From Aylesbury Estate03:37 Understanding The Geographe Wine Region06:00 A 150-Year Family Farming Story08:15 Why Boutique Producers Matter10:01 Geographe Chardonnay vs Margaret River Chardonnay12:09 The Wine That Stopped Us In Its Tracks13:49 Australian Nebbiolo Done Right16:05 Alternative Varieties Thriving In Geographe18:16 Terroir, Elevation & Vineyard Sites19:15 The Cabernet That Won Carlos Over22:09 Farming Cattle & Growing Grapes22:53 Why Geographe Offers Incredible Value24:05 Ryan's Favourite Wine From Aylesbury Estate24:39 Planning A Geographe Wine Trip25:58 The First Geographe Wine You Should Buy #GotSomme #AustralianWine #Geographe #MargaretRiver #WinePodcast #WineTasting #CabernetSauvignon #Chardonnay #Nebbiolo #WesternAustraliaWine #WineEducation #CarlosSantos #AylesburyEstate #WineTravel #WineLovers
“The Wine That Fooled a Master Sommelier” | Pieropan Soave Blind Tasting In this episode of Got Somme Blind Wine Series, Master Sommelier Carlos Santos is put to the test with a blind white wine tasting that sends him across Spain before revealing an iconic Italian classic. From citrus and sea spray notes to debates around Albariño, Viognier and Riesling, this episode captures the chaos, confidence and humility of blind tasting at the highest level. What starts as a confident call for Rías Baixas Albariño ends with a surprise reveal: Pieropan Soave made from Garganega. Carlos breaks down the wine’s structure, aromatics, acidity and texture in real time, giving listeners an inside look at how Master Sommeliers think through a blind tasting grid. Along the way, he explores why certain wines can completely disguise themselves stylistically, and why Garganega continues to be one of Italy’s most underrated white grape varieties. This episode is a must-watch for wine lovers, sommeliers, hospitality professionals and anyone fascinated by blind tasting psychology. Glassware used: RIEDEL Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 25% off!https://www.riedel.com/en-au/ Blind tasting an iconic Italian white wine Why Carlos initially thought the wine was Albariño from Spain The aromatics that pointed toward Viognier and tropical styles How texture and alcohol can alter acidity perception The challenge of identifying Garganega blind Why Pieropan remains one of Italy’s benchmark producers The role structure plays in blind wine assessment Master Sommelier thought process in real time Got Somme, blind wine tasting, Master Sommelier blind tasting, Carlos Santos, Pieropan Soave, Garganega wine, Italian white wine, Albariño vs Garganega, wine podcast Australia, blind tasting challenge, Soave Classico, wine education podcast, white wine tasting notes, sommelier reacts, wine tasting breakdown, best Italian white wines
What makes a wine truly iconic? In this episode of Got Somme , Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and Angus O'Loughlin open a bottle from one of the most historic producers in Spain: López de Heredia. Founded more than 150 years ago, López de Heredia has become one of the defining names of traditional Rioja, holding onto old-school winemaking methods while much of the wine world chased trends. Carlos explains why this producer is considered one of the great benchmark wineries of the world, compares it to legendary Bordeaux estates, and reveals why he’s never had a bad bottle in 26 years of tasting wine professionally. Glassware used: RIEDEL Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 25% off! https://www.riedel.com/en-au/ The conversation dives deep into: What makes traditional Rioja different Why American oak is central to classic Rioja character The history of Rioja during the phylloxera crisis Why López de Heredia releases wines years later than most producers How modern winemaking trends changed Rioja The difference between Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva Why Carlos became genuinely offended when Angus questioned Rioja quality There’s also a fascinating breakdown of how French winemakers helped shape Rioja during the 1800s, why counterfeiting became a huge issue for historic Spanish producers, and what wine lovers should actually look for when identifying quality Rioja. If you’ve ever wondered why some wines become timeless while others chase trends, this episode is for you. 00:00 – “You can’t just call a wine iconic” 00:32 – Why López de Heredia matters 02:29 – The blind Rioja tasting that inspired this episode 03:39 – What traditional Rioja should taste like 06:40 – How phylloxera changed Spanish wine forever 08:24 – Why this producer never chased trends 10:27 – Angus questions Rioja pricing and quality 12:41 – Carlos explains what separates great Rioja 14:00 – Why López de Heredia releases wines so late 16:11 – Final thoughts on one of Rioja’s great producers
What happens when a Master Sommelier mistakes an Australian Merlot for Bordeaux? In this episode of Got Somme, Carlos Santos goes deep into a blind wine tasting challenge packed with blackcurrant, oak spice, massive confidence… and a few dramatic turns along the way. From “this is definitely Bordeaux” to correctly calling the grape, alcohol, and vintage, this blind tasting proves just how deceptive great wine can be. Expect chaos, elite palate breakdowns, wine education, and plenty of laughs as Carlos works through every clue in the glass. If you’ve ever wanted to understand how sommeliers actually taste wine blind, this episode is for you. Bottle: 2023 Summerfield Wines Merlot https://summerfieldwines.com.au/shop/merlot-2016/ Glassware used: RIEDEL Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 25% off! https://www.riedel.com/en-au/ In This Episode How sommeliers analyse wine blind Breaking down tannins, alcohol, acidity, and oak Why Merlot can taste like Bordeaux The difference between Old World vs New World wine styles Blind tasting pressure and deduction Summerfield Wines surprising a Master Sommelier Blackcurrant, Ribena, spice, oak, and structure explained “Can confirm it’s not Chardonnay.” “There’s definitely engineered oak.” “Merlot from Bordeaux… some sort of Bordeaux AOC.” “You got the vintage, alcohol, and grape variety right.” “We’re gonna f*** the box. Gotta grab the grape.” Blind wine tasting, Master Sommelier, Merlot tasting, Bordeaux vs Australian wine, wine podcast Australia, GOT SOMME podcast, Carlos Santos, blind tasting challenge, wine education, Merlot vs Bordeaux, wine tasting notes, best wine podcasts, wine expert reacts, sommelier challenge, Australian Merlot, Summerfield Wines
A Master Sommelier gives Angus a bottle he only gifts to close friends… and it turns into one of the most fascinating white wine episodes we’ve ever recorded.Carlos Santos introduces us to Condrieu, one of France’s most premium white wine regions, made exclusively from Viognier. Once nearly extinct, this grape is now producing some of the richest, most textural and most underrated white wines in the world. Bottle: 2018 Yves Cuilleron Condrieu ‘Les Chaillets’ Viognier Vieilles Vignes Glassware used: RIEDEL Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 25% off! https://www.riedel.com/en-au/ We break down: - Why Condrieu is so expensive - Why Viognier nearly disappeared - How to blind taste Viognier - Why this 2018 bottle still tastes young - The perfect food pairing (Murray cod + butter sauce) - Carlos ranks Viognier in his top white grape varieties If you love Chardonnay, Chablis, Albariño or discovering hidden gems, this episode is for you. Subscribe for weekly wine episodes with a Nuffy and a Master Sommelier. #WinePodcast #Condrieu #Viognier #WhiteWine #WineTasting #GotSomme #FrenchWine #MasterSommelier #WineEducation Chapter Timestamps 00:00 The bottle Carlos only gifts friends 01:20 Why this wine nearly went extinct 03:00 What is Condrieu? 04:45 Condrieu vs Viognier explained 06:50 Why Condrieu is expensive 08:45 Can white wine age properly? 10:45 How to blind taste Viognier 12:50 Is Viognier beginner friendly? 15:55 Why Carlos gifted Angus this bottle 17:00 Best food pairing for Condrieu 20:45 Carlos ranks Viognier top 5 21:35 Final thoughts Got Somme, Condrieu wine, Viognier wine, best white wines France, premium white wine, French white wine explained, wine podcast Australia, Carlos Santos sommelier, blind tasting wine, Northern Rhone wine, luxury white wineWelcome 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.
In this episode of Got Somme, the boys put wine knowledge to the ultimate test with another instalment of the Blind Wine Tasting Series. Carlos goes in blind with only the glass in front of him, breaking down colour, aroma, structure, tannin, alcohol and region clues in real time. What follows is a fascinating look inside the mind of a Master Sommelier as he narrows down possibilities across Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and France before making his final call. From volatile acidity and jammy red fruit notes to debates around Grenache, Xinomavro and Mediterranean climates, this episode is equal parts education, entertainment and pressure. Then comes the reveal. Did Carlos nail it, or did the wine win? If you love blind tasting, wine education, sommelier reactions or simply watching experts under pressure, this one is for you. In This Episode: - How sommeliers analyse wine blind - Why alcohol, acidity and tannin matter - Carlos rules out Italy, Spain and Portugal - The Greek wine curveball- Why Grenache can be deceptive in blind tastings - The final reveal and reaction Glassware used: RIEDEL Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 25% off! https://www.riedel.com/en-au/ Blind wine tasting, Master Sommelier challenge, Grenache blends, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Xinomavro, Mediterranean wines, tasting notes, wine education, sommelier skills, how to taste wine.
What’s the real difference between a $50 bottle of Burgundy and an $800 one ? In this episode of Got Somme, we do a sophisticated tasting with Master Sommelier Carlos Santos to break down three Pinot Noirs from Burgundy at completely different price points. This is not just about taste. It’s about rarity, terroir, production, and whether any of that actually shows up in the glass. We’re putting it to the test: • $50 Burgundy (entry-level) • $150 Village-level wine • $800 Grand Cru (Thanks to the https://frenchwinecentre.com/) And asking the question every wine drinker wants answered:Is expensive wine actually worth it? You’ll learn: - What you’re really paying for in high-end wine - The difference between Bourgogne, Village, and Grand Cru - How sommeliers think about value vs prestige Whether most people can actually taste the differenceIf you’ve ever stood in a bottle shop wondering where your money should go… this episode is for you. Glassware used: RIEDEL 'Performance' Pinot Noir Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 25% off!https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/performance/pinot-noir-68840006700:00 The question everyone asks about expensive wine 00:17 What you’re REALLY paying for beyond taste 00:24 $50 vs $150 vs $800 Burgundy explained 01:05 Is $50 wine even good value anymore? 02:22 Burgundy explained simply (appellations & quality tiers) 09:14 Master Sommelier tasting notes – $50 wine 11:01 First jump: $150 Burgundy 13:04 How sommeliers guide customers (without mentioning price) 16:08 Is 3x the price actually justified? 18:52 The $800 Grand Cru… worth it? 21:45 Why Grand Cru is so expensive (rarity explained) 24:22 Honest verdict: which one would we actually buy? 26:05 Final takeaway – quality vs price burgundy wine explained expensive wine vs cheap wine Pinot noir burgundy review grand cru wine meaning Bourgogne vs premier cru vs grand cru is expensive wine worth it wine tasting master sommelier wine price comparison best value wine burgundy why is burgundy wine expensive wine tasting, burgundy wine, pinot noir, expensive wine, cheap vs expensive wine, master sommelier, wine education, grand cru, wine review, wine podcast, wine comparison, luxury wine, wine value, terroir, french wine #Wine #Burgundy #PinotNoir #WineTasting #MasterSommelier #ExpensiveWine #WineEducation 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 starts as a structured blind tasting and slowly turns into a geography exam with wine in the middle. The wine shows clean fruit, floral lift, and chalky minerality. No oak. Medium-plus acidity. Everyone immediately starts narrowing the field like they’re 90% confident. Then the guesses begin: Pinot Grigio feels right. Grüner Veltliner is in the conversation. Verdejo gets a mention. Chablis gets a respectful exclusion. Every option feels correct… until it doesn’t. Eventually, after a few detours through Italy, Spain and Austria, the wine lands exactly where it probably should have all along: Gavi from Italy. Sponsor: RIEDEL https://www.riedel.com/en-au/ (Australians use code: GOTSOMME New Zealand: GOTSOMMENZ at check out for 20% off) Key Themes - Blind tasting confidence vs reality - How structured tasting still turns into educated guessing - Old World white wine confusion (in a fun way) - The moment logic meets ego in a glass of wine Even experienced tasters don’t “know” straight away. They eliminate, argue, reassess, and slowly corner the wine until it gives up its identity. Or in this case: until it quietly reveals itself as Gavi.
Why do some wines cost double or triple the price of others, even when they come from the same winery? In this episode of Got Somme , we explore the difference between estate wines and single vineyard wines using two Pinot Noirs from Paringa Estate in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula . Together with Master Sommelier Carlos Santos, we break down the real factors behind wine pricing including terroir, vine age, production size, scarcity and winemaking techniques . We reveal why some bottles command a much higher price and whether the difference is actually worth it in the glass. Sponsor: RIEDEL https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sor... (Australians use code: GOTSOMME New Zealand: GOTSOMMENZ at check out for 20% off) Along the way we explore: • What the term estate wine actually means• How single vineyard wines highlight terroir • Why older vines produce more concentrated grapes • The role of oak, ageing and production scale • Why wineries release estate wines earlier• Whether expensive wine truly tastes better We also compare two bottles side-by-side to see if the $150 single vineyard Pinot Noir really delivers a dramatically different experience from the $60 estate wine . If you've ever wondered whether price equals quality in wine , this episode will change how you shop for wine forever. • Estate wine vs single vineyard wine• Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula• How terroir influences wine flavour• Why older vines produce better wine• Wine pricing and scarcity explained• Oak ageing and winemaking techniques• How to judge whether an expensive wine is worth it 00:00 – $60 vs $150 Pinot Noir comparison00:28 – What “estate wine” actually means01:18 – Where estate wine grapes can come from03:06 – Why wineries produce estate wines04:47 – Scarcity and wine pricing explained05:50 – Why wineries release estate wines earlier07:58 – Tasting the $60 Pinot Noir09:34 – The $150 single vineyard wine10:13 – Vine age and concentration13:40 – Why great fruit matters in winemaking16:07 – Oak influence in wine17:38 – Is the $150 wine actually worth it?18:27 – The final verdict single vineyard wine, estate wine meaning, single vineyard vs estate wine, why wine is expensive, pinot noir mornington peninsula, wine terroir explained, vine age wine quality, master sommelier wine tasting, why some wines cost more, expensive wine vs cheap wine, wine education podcast
What happens when you hand a sommelier a mystery glass and ask them to identify a world-class red wine — completely blind? In this episode of Got Somme , we put the palate to the ultimate test with a stunning Rioja Gran Reserva 2016 that left us speechless (and one of us with actual goosebumps). We got ours here: https://www.platinumfinewine.com.au/product/bodegas-lan-gran-reserva/ From deep ruby colour to lingering pencil-shaving tannins, this wine delivered layer after layer of complexity — black currant, black plum, truffle, leather, clove, nutmeg, star anise, and what our co-host could only describe as fresh pasta flour . The nose alone was worth the price of admission. Was it Bordeaux? Was it Rioja? Tune in as we break down every clue, make the call, and reveal just how well a 10-year-old wine can hide its age. Rioja Gran Reserva 2016 Region: Rioja, Spain Variety: Tempranillo Aging: Gran Reserva (60 months total — 24 months in oak, 24 months in bottle minimum) Oak: French oak (modern style — not traditional American oak) 00:00 – The blind tasting begins — what's in the glass? 00:05 – Colour analysis: deep ruby, brick rim, high viscosity 00:30 – Aromas: black fruit, truffle, mushroom, leather, pencil shavings 01:04 – Oak influence: baking spices, cloves, nutmeg, star anise 01:57 – Palate: grippy tannins, medium-plus body, dry finish 03:00 – The debate: Bordeaux or Rioja? 04:46 – Making the call — Rioja Reserva 2020 (spoiler: wrong on both counts!) 05:06 – The reveal: Rioja Gran Reserva 2016 06:24 – Why this wine doesn't show its age 06:39 – Reserva vs Gran Reserva: what's the actual difference? 07:40 – Food pairing: rump steak, chips, and fresh bread blind wine tasting, Rioja Gran Reserva, Rioja vs Bordeaux, how to taste wine, wine tasting technique, what is Gran Reserva, Spanish wine aging rules, Reserva vs Gran Reserva, Tempranillo blind tasting, old world wine, wine education podcast, Got Somme podcast, sommelier blind tasting, French oak vs American oak Rioja, 2016 Rioja, wine tasting for beginners, wine podcast Australia Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe on YouTube — this extended tasting content is YouTube-exclusive! Instagram gets the highlights, but YouTube gets the full blind tasting experience. Watch: https://youtu.be/YVeWLAxQScg Follow: https://www.instagram.com/gotsomme/
Burgundy is home to some of the most expensive wines in the world. Bottles of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti can sell for more than $30,000, yet in this episode of Got Somme we’re tasting a Burgundy white wine for under $100. How is that possible? The answer lies in one of Burgundy’s most underrated grape varieties: Aligoté.In this episode, Angus and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos take a deep dive into the forgotten sibling of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. While Burgundy is famous for its iconic Grand Cru wines, Aligoté has quietly existed in the region for centuries, often overlooked despite producing bright, mineral-driven wines with incredible value.Carlos explains why Aligoté is having a quiet renaissance among sommeliers and wine lovers around the world, and why this historic Burgundian grape could be your gateway into Burgundy without the Burgundy price tag.Along the way, we unpack the fascinating history of the grape, how it compares to Chardonnay and Chablis, and the surprising role Aligoté played in one of France’s most famous cocktails.If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a hidden gem in Burgundy, this episode might change the way you buy wine. In this episode • Why Burgundy prices have exploded and what that means for wine lovers• The forgotten Burgundy grape most people overlook• The family tree of Burgundy grapes including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aligoté• Why Aligoté can offer incredible value compared with Chardonnay• The surprising story behind the famous Kir cocktail• How Aligoté compares to Chablis and Chenin Blanc• The tasting profile you should expect from a great Aligoté• Why sommeliers are rediscovering this grape• The foods that pair perfectly with Aligoté What does Aligoté taste like? According to Master Sommelier Carlos Santos, great Aligoté wines typically show:• Bright citrus and tangerine peel• Crisp acidity• Green apple and mineral notes• A subtle saline character• Fresh, food-friendly structureIt often sits stylistically between Chablis and Chenin Blanc, making it an incredibly versatile wine at the table. Where is Aligoté grown? Aligoté is native to Burgundy, France, where it shares the same genetic roots as:• Chardonnay• Pinot Noir• GamayThe grape is traditionally grown across Burgundy, with the appellation Bouzeron dedicated entirely to Aligoté production. Food pairings for Aligoté Thanks to its high acidity and freshness, Aligoté pairs beautifully with:• Oysters• Lobster• Shellfish• White fish• Light butter sauces• Fresh seafood dishesBIG thanks to The French Wine Centre for providing the bottle 🙏🏼 https://frenchwinecentre.com/ Check out their AMAZING mixed 6 of French Reds for $250https://frenchwinecentre.com/collections/packs/products/issue-02-mixed-3-the-reds Sponsor: RIEDEL https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller (Australians use code: GOTSOMME New Zealand: GOTSOMMENZ at check out for 20% 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.
Blind wine tasting is brutal. Even for a Master Sommelier. In this episode of Got Somme , Carlos blind tastes a vibrant, medium-ruby red wine and reads the clues as Pinot Noir : juicy cherry, raspberry, Christmas cake spice, fine tannins, elegant structure, and that “Old World on the palate, New World on the nose” tension. But then comes the reveal. It’s actually Gamay from Beechworth, Victoria , a 2024 release , and it happens to be one of Angus’ favourite wines of all time. This is the whole point of blind tasting: you follow the evidence, you make the call, and sometimes the wine still stitches you up. If you’re learning wine, love Pinot Noir, or want to understand how sommeliers think in real time, this one is for you. How to identify red wine blind using colour, aroma, tannin and acid Pinot Noir vs Gamay: the overlap that tricks even pros What “fine-grain tannins” and “perfume” really mean in practice Why some Gamay can present like high-level Pinot Hosted by Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos, Got Somme makes wine more fun, practical and less precious. New episodes weekly. Recorded at SESSION in PROGRESS studios.
We risked $1,700 worth of wine to answer one question: is expensive wine worth it? In this episode of Got Somme, Angus O’Loughlin and Master Somm Carlos Santos open two Grand Cru Burgundies (around $800 a bottle) and taste them side by side. No posturing, no wine snobbery, just an honest test of what you’re paying for when the label gets serious. We talk: - What “Grand Cru” actually means in Burgundy - Why producers matter as much as terroir - The difference between a great $30 bottle and an $800 bottle - Whether expensive wine is “worth it” or just status - How to find underrated regions that deliver insane value BIG thanks to The French Wine Centre for providing the bottles 🙏🏼 https://frenchwinecentre.com/ Check out their AMAZING mixed 6 of French Reds for $250 https://frenchwinecentre.com/collections/packs/products/issue-02-mixed-3-the-reds If you’ve ever wondered whether luxury wine is genuinely better, this is the episode. Comment your next episode idea: Do we go cheaper and find the best $20 bottle? Or do we keep climbing and chase the next Burgundy benchmark? Subscribe for more blind tastings, wine stories, and the unfiltered truth about what’s in the glass. Chapters 00:00 We’re risking $1,700 on wine 00:24 The most expensive bottles we’ve had 01:18 What we’re drinking: Echezeaux + Clos de la Roche 03:17 How we got the bottles (French Wine Center) 04:22 Why Burgundy prices get insane 06:55 First smell: “This is incredible” 09:20 First sip and the tannin moment 12:33 Why you rarely drink Grand Cru 13:00 Switching to Clos de la Roche 14:54 The big question: is expensive wine worth it? 17:06 The real answer: story, value, perspective 18:14 What should we taste next?
Carlos analyses colour, aroma, acidity, texture and structure to identify a mystery white wine. From Albariño to Garganega to Rhône blends and Viognier, the clues stack up… until the reveal throws everything off.Blind tasting is one of the hardest skills in wine. Even for a Master Sommelier.If you love learning wine in a fun, practical way, this series will sharpen your palate and teach you how sommeliers actually think.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN• How sommeliers approach blind wine tasting• Key clues from colour, acidity and aroma• Albariño vs Viognier vs Rhône blends explained• Why light bubbles and texture matter• The biggest mistakes even pros makeRecorded at SESSION in PROGRESS studios in Melbourne.Wine: 'The Story' Marsanne Rousanne Viognier 2020https://www.instagram.com/storywines/WATCH NEXT• Blind Tasting Red Wine Challengehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4jBm8qOfgg&t=7s• Best Value Wines Under $30https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOIUiUNobKw&t=689sSUBSCRIBENew episodes every week.Subscribe for wine tips, blind tasting challenges and interviews with winemakers.
Master Sommelier Carlos Santos goes behind the scenes of building a $1.5 million restaurant wine list for a new Byron Bay venue created by chef Shannon Bennett.From $35,000 magnums to $40 best-selling wines, we break down how sommeliers curate world-class wine lists, negotiate rare allocations, and balance prestige bottles with everyday drinkers. You’ll learn: • How a Master Sommelier builds a wine list from scratch • Why some wines sell more than others • The hardest wines to source in Australia • How trade tastings and supplier relationships work • Why Australian wine is dominating restaurant lists • How price psychology shapes customer ordersIf you love wine, restaurants, or the behind-the-scenes world of hospitality, this episode is for you. Recorded at our new Collins Street studio by SESSION in PROGRESS. SPONSORS Grays.comhttps://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) FOLLOW GOT SOMME Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotsomme/ Studio: https://www.instagram.com/session.in.progress/ Subscribe for new wine episodes every week. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 $1.5 million wine list reveal 01:30 Building a wine list from scratch 05:10 Choosing wines for Byron Bay diners 08:20 Hardest wines to source 12:00 Back vintages and vertical tastings 16:40 Why $40 wines outsell $1,000 wines 19:30 The $35,000 bottle 22:00 Trade tastings & negotiation secrets 25:00 Supporting Australian wineries 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.
If the world’s best wines from France aren’t using oak… why do so many Chardonnays in Australia and the New World taste so oaky? In this episode of Got Somme, Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos take a deep dive into Chablis, the purest expression of Chardonnay. We blind taste three bottles from the same producer and vintage at three price points — Petit Chablis ($40), Chablis AOC ($48), and Chablis Premier Cru ($78) — to find out whether price really does equal quality. Along the way, we break down: Why Chablis tastes like oyster shells The difference between Petit Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru and Grand Cru Left Bank vs Right Bank of the Serein River When (and why) some producers start using oak The real meaning of minerality in Chablis Whether Premier Cru is actually worth the extra money Angus kicks things off with a blind tasting challenge… and shockingly out-tastes a Master Sommelier to start 2026 in style. If you think you don’t like Chardonnay, 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) What We’re Drinking Producer: Simonnet-Febvre Vintage: 2023 Petit Chablis – $40 Chablis AOC – $48 Chablis Premier Cru – $78 Chapters 00:00 – Why Chablis Isn’t Oaky 01:50 – Blind Tasting Begins 03:25 – Does Price Equal Quality? 04:30 – Chablis vs Chardonnay Explained 08:35 – Left Bank vs Right Bank of Chablis 10:20 – What Is Petit Chablis? 12:35 – What Makes Chablis AOC Better? 14:40 – Premier Cru vs Grand Cru 18:10 – Is Premier Cru Worth the Money? 20:00 – Why Some Chablis Uses Oak 26:45 – Steak vs Jus (Best Wine Analogy Ever) 28:10 – Master Sommelier Blind Tasting Fail chablis, chablis wine, chablis vs chardonnay, petit chablis, chablis premier cru, chablis grand cru, blind wine tasting, master sommelier, wine podcast, got somme, wine education, french wine, white wine, chardonnay styles, why, chablis tastes mineral, oak, chardonnay, best chablis, wine tasting australia
Observed August 1, 2026.
Apple and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
