Got Somme : Master Sommelier's Wine Podcast

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...

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 s...

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 crea...

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 dif...

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...

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, Beechwo...

"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 tech...

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 mark...

"N atural 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 e...

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...

In this episode of Got Somme, we journey through the rolling hills of Napa Valley to explore the world of Diamond Creek wines. Your hosts Angus and Carlos uncork the history and flavour profile of aged Cabernet Sauvignon, sip through the 1995 and 1996 vintages, and dissect how Napa’s unique terroir stacks up against global giants like Bordeaux and Margaret River. From wine economics to the P...

  In this episode, we dive into the highly anticipated 2023 vintage of The Standish Wine Company's four Shiraz from the iconic Barossa Valley. Through a blind tasting of each unique wines, Angus and Master Sommelier Carlos explore complex flavour profiles, winemaking techniques, and personal preferences. Alongside tasting notes, the conversation delves into the sustainability practices within...

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Angus O'Loughlin and M aster Sommelier Carlos Santos are here to demystify the impact of wine bottle sizes —particularly the demi bottle (375ml) versus the standard bottle (750ml) —on the aging process , wine quality , and flavour profile . They conduct a blind tasting of the 2005 Lake's Folly Cabernet Sauvignon , uncovering how smaller bottles age...

Carlos Santos, a Master sommelier, takes us on a journey of his home country and through the diverse wine regions of Portugal, exploring notable wines from Vinho Verde, Douro Valley, Bairrada, and Alentejo. The conversation speaks to the unique characteristics of each region's grape varieties, Carlos' personal and passionate stories behind the wines, and the cultural significance of Portuguese win...

Exploring the Elegance of Grand Cru Saint-Émilion – A Deep Dive into Right Bank Bordeaux Wines In this episode, we uncork the world of Bordeaux wines , diving deep into the prestigious Grand Cru Saint-Émilion and the acclaimed Château Figeac . Join us as we explore the right bank of Bordeaux—its terroir , centuries-old wine history , and how it compares to the left...

Did your parents ruin Sauv Blanc for you too? Sauvignon Blanc is more than just a crisp, grassy white wine—it’s a diverse and complex varietal with styles that vary dramatically depending on where it’s grown. In this episode, we challenge common misconceptions about Sauvignon Blanc by exploring how it differs across regions. From the bold, structured Sauvignon Blancs of South Afr...

In this episode, Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos delve into the diverse world of Spanish wines, shining a spotlight on lesser-known regions and grape varieties. They discuss the distinct characteristics of wines from Galicia, Ribera del Duero, and Montsant, offering personal insights and expert tips on wine tasting and pairing. Their conversation showcases the richness of...

German Riesling with Erni Loosen. Exploring its evolution, the impact of global warming on grape ripening, and the unique terroir of the Mosel region. We discuss the versatility, the different styles and quality determinations, and the influence of microclimates on wine characteristics. The episode culminates in memorable wine experiences and reflections on the art of winemaking. Sponsors: RIEDEL...

In this episode, Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and Angus O'Loughlin drink into the rich and diverse world of Italian wine, shining a light on underrated regions and distinctive Italian varietals. They explore wines from Trentino, Chianti Classico, and Primitivo, discussing their unique characteristics, tasting notes, and ideal pairings. The conversation also highlights the impact of vintage varia...

Angus' first EVER Grand Cru Burgundy Pinot Noir! In this episode, Master Sommelier Carlos Santos guides us through the exquisite world of Burgundy wines, focusing on a rare 2016 Domaine De La Vougeraie 'Musigny' Grand Cru. The wine sells in Australia starting at $2,600+ BUT it is up for auction at Grays.com starting at $1 https://www.grays.com/lot/0019-10733409/private-cellar/pinot-noir-2016 &nbsp...

Ever found yourself in a bottle shop or staring at a wine list, desperately searching for a dry Rosé? But how do you know which one to pick? Maybe you’ve opted for a French label, convinced by a friend’s mum that it's dry? Perhaps you assume that the darker pink Rosés must be sweet? It’s time to bring in a Master Sommelier to guide us through buying and enjoying the...

In this episode of Got Somme hosts Angus and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos connect via satellite to Garth Hodgson for a 'One Bottle Review' of the champagne Frederick Savart L' Ouverture. We explore the nuances of whats in our glass, the price differences between the US and Australia, importance of temperature, and the evolution of flavours as the bottle is shared. The conversation emphasises the...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🥂🍾 In this special New Year's Eve episode, Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and co-host Angus O'Loughlin reflect on their favourite wines and moments of 2024, sharing personal stories and emotional connections tied to specific bottles. We discuss the significance of family and friends in wine experiences, highlight the unique qualities of Domaine de Trévallon, and explore th...

In this festive episode of 'Got Somme' hosts Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and Angus  O'Loughlin explore the unique Australian Christmas traditions, particularly focusing on the 9am wake up with sparkling red Shiraz. They discuss the cultural differences in wine between Australia and Portugal, the versatility of sparkling red wines, and how they pair with various holiday foods. The conversat...

In this episode of Got Somme, Master Sommelier Carlos Santos challenges co-host Angus O’Loughlin to blind taste three exceptional wines: Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, and a Bordeaux blend.  While Carlos dives into what to expect from the wines flavours, aromas, and aging potential while contrasting old-world and new-world styles. Meanwhile, the apprentice shares his evolving expertise, adding a...