"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.

"AI is coming for everyone's jobs."

In this thought-provoking episode of Got Somme, host Angus O'Loughlin puts artificial intelligence to the test in a head-to-head wine tasting battle against one of Australia’s top Master Sommeliers, Carlos Santos. Can ChatGPT hold its own in a blind tasting of red wine? How does AI fare in analysing the nuances of a French Chardonnay?

The episode explores how technology in wine—particularly AI—could shape the future of wine assessment, wine pairing, and sommelier culture. With both participants sharing their insights, tasting notes, and predictions, this is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of AI and the wine industry.

Listen now to explore the bold new frontier where technology meets terroir—and find out who really knows their wine: man or machine?

Sponsors:

• RIEDEL Veloce Chardonnay: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/veloce/chardonnay-633000097
• 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:

• 🤖 AI is powerful, offering fast wine recommendations, but still lacks the intuition and emotional nuance of a human.

• 🍷 Carlos Santos demonstrates the depth of human wine tasting experience, especially in a blind challenge.

• 🧠 ChatGPT uses vast data for analysis, but context and subtlety remain its weaknesses.

• 💬 The conversation explores how AI tools like ChatGPT might complement sommeliers—not replace them.

• 🌍 Discussions also touch on wine regions, Burgundy wines, and personal preferences.

• ❤️ Carlos’s stories bring out the romance of wine—something AI can’t replicate (yet).

Chapters:

00:00 – AI vs. Master Sommelier Showdown
02:59 – Tasting a Classic French Chardonnay
05:59 – Blind Tasting Challenge: Red Wine Edition
08:55 – AI's Strengths and Weaknesses in Wine Assessment
11:41 – Human vs. Machine: Final Thoughts on Wine Tasting
14:44 – Audience Q&A: Wine Regions, Preferences & Pairings

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, 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 Paris Judgment of 1976, this one’s a full-bodied conversation about what makes Napa, and California more broadly, central to wine education and the sommelier world.

Sponsors:

• RIEDEL Veritas Cabernet: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/veritas/cabernet-merlot-644900098
• Decanter: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/decanter/amadeo-phyllon-decanter-175600P13
• 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

• The 1995 Diamond Creek vintages are standout examples of well-aged Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Napa’s American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) offer an incredible diversity of terrain and taste.
• Aged wines can become difficult to distinguish, often looking and tasting remarkably similar.
• Napa's terroir—mountains, valleys, and microclimates—shapes its wine characteristics in distinct ways.
• When compared to regions like Bordeaux and Margaret River, Napa Cabernet reveals unique stylistic differences.
• The Judgment of Paris (1976) proved California wines could rival—and surpass—France.
• High land and production costs drive Napa’s premium wine pricing, creating a gap in mid-range offerings compared to countries like Australia.
• California is pivotal in the global wine education space and sommelier training.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Diamond Creek Wines

03:00 – Exploring Napa Valley’s Wine Regions

05:58 – Tasting the 1995 and 1996 Vintages

08:57 – Comparing Global Cabernet Regions

12:00 – The Economics of Wine Pricing

13:50 – The Importance of California in Wine Education

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, 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 the wine industry, offers wine pairing suggestions, and answers audience questions about aging potential and sommelier recommendations.

Wine #1 - Single Vineyard Shiraz
Wine #2 - Schubert Theorem
Wine #3 - Lamella
Wine #4 - Relic

Can it live up to the 2022 '100 point' wine score?

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

Top Takeaways:

• The 2023 Standish Shiraz vintage offers exceptional depth and complexity.
• Blind tasting enables a more honest, unbiased assessment of each wine.
• Each wine is a reflection of specific winemaking techniques and terroir.
• Sustainability is increasingly shaping modern wine production.
• Letting wine breathe is essential for optimal tasting.
• Palate preferences vary widely—even among experienced tasters.
• The Barossa Valley continues to deliver bold, flavour-driven wines.
• Smart wine pairing elevates the overall tasting experience.
• Some Shiraz wines have excellent aging potential, while others shine in youth.

Chapters:

00:00 – Exploring the 2023 Standish Shiraz Vintage

02:59 – Blind Tasting Methodology and Initial Impressions

06:14 – In-Depth Wine Analysis and Flavour Profiles

08:56 – Comparative Tasting: Identifying Favourites

12:00 – Revealing the Wines and Final Thoughts

14:53 – Sustainability in Winemaking and Audience Q&A

🔖 Wine tasting, Barossa Valley, 2023 vintage, blind tasting, wine analysis, sommelier, wine recommendations, sustainability, wine pairing

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 the podcast, hosts Angus O'Loughlin and Master 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 differently and why larger bottles may enhance longevity.

Carlos also shares practical insights for wine tasting, restaurant selections, and solo drinking. Plus, stay tuned for an important announcement about the show’s new release schedule.

Sponsors:

- RIEDEL Veritas Cabernet: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/veritas/cabernet-merlot-644900098

- 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

BIG Thanks to:

Paul (who we pulled in from the office) from www.eatplay.com.au

Key Takeaways:

• A demi bottle (375ml) is perfect for solo wine drinkers or sampling multiple wines in one sitting.

• The aging process is faster in smaller bottles due to greater oxygen exposure.

• Larger bottles, like magnums, promote slower aging.

• Screw caps offer more consistent aging than traditional corks.

• Blind tastings help isolate the effects of bottle size on Cabernet taste.

• Storage conditions are crucial for maintaining wine quality.

• The 2005 Lake's Folly Cabernet demonstrates how bottle size alters flavour over time.

• Consider food pairings when selecting wine and bottle size.

• The podcast now drops fresh episodes every Thursday.

SEO Keywords:
wine, sommelier, demi bottle, standard bottle, bottle sizes, aging process, wine quality, blind tasting, wine tasting, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 Lake Folly, wine storage, wine selection, solo drinking, screw caps, wine podcast

Chapters:
00:00 – Exploring Bottle Sizes and Their Impact on Wine
02:57 – The Aging Process: Demi vs Standard Bottles
06:01 – Blind Tasting: Assessing Differences in Wine
08:59 – Conclusions on Wine Quality and Aging
12:07 – Final Thoughts and Announcements

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.