78% of people didn't know Syrah is Shiraz | Rhone Valley Masterclass
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=itemsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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"What the f***" | Master Sommeliers take on Natural Wine
"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 Wines02:54 – Organic vs Natural Wine: Key Differences05:59 – What Are Pet-Nats? Flavour and Production Explained08:45 – Why Natural Wines Are Trending11:52 – Tasting Notes: Exploring Unique Natural Wines14:42 – Terroir, Techniques, and Taste17:47 – Q&A: Real Questions From Curious Wine DrinkersThis podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=itemsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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2 Champagnes that BEAT Veuve & Moët for the SAME Price
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=itemsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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AI vs Master Sommelier | SHOCKING results!
"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 Showdown02:59 – Tasting a Classic French Chardonnay05:59 – Blind Tasting Challenge: Red Wine Edition08:55 – AI's Strengths and Weaknesses in Wine Assessment11:41 – Human vs. Machine: Final Thoughts on Wine Tasting14:44 – Audience Q&A: Wine Regions, Preferences & Pairings This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=itemsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Napa Valley | Master Sommeliers Top Wines from California
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 EducationThis podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=itemsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Got Somme' is a podcast for wine lovers who know nothing about what's in their glass. The series will aim to educate listeners 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.
Fully accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing with each episode filmed and posted online with captions at Got Somme
Cheers 🍇
South Africa