The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
110 results across all types
podcast· 6:04The White Wine That Fooled a Master Sommelier
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.Subscrib
- podcast· 24:03· S4E3
We spent over $1,000,000 on wine!
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
- podcast· 30:47· S5E3
Chablis Explained: Petit vs Chablis vs Premier Cru
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 migh
- podcast· 6:54
This Wine Looks Like Rosé, Tastes Italian… But Isn’t either?!
This wine breaks every assumption.It looks like a rosé.It drinks like something from Italy.But it’s neither.In this episode of Got Somme, we put a mystery wine in front of a Master Sommelier for a full blind tasting. No labels. No hints. Just colour, aroma, texture and instinct.Decanter and Glassware: RIEDELhttps://www.riedel.com/en-auUse Code GOTSOMME for 20% off (Australia Only)We break down:Why this wine looks like rosé but isn’tThe flavour markers that suggest Italy (and why they’re misleading)How structure, acid and mouthfeel reveal the truthWhat most people get wrong when tasting blindAnd the final reveal of what this wine actually isIf you love blind wine tastings, sommeliers at work, or learning how to taste wine properly without the snobbery, this one’s for you.Subscribe for more blind tastings, wine myths busted, and deep dives into how great wine really works.#BlindWineTasting #WineTasting #Sommelier #NotRosé #WineEducation #GotSomme #WineBlindTasting #WinePodcastWelcome to
- podcast· 0:41· S5E2
Why No One Drinks Sherry Anymore (And Why They Should)
New Episode Out Now!
podcast· 24:22This Wine Is So Thick It Pours Like Paste (Fortified Wines Explained)
Fortified wines might be some of the most misunderstood wines in the world — often dismissed as “old-fashioned,” too sweet, or too strong. In this episode of Got Somme, Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos dive deep into the world of Sherry, Port, and Pedro Ximénez, unpacking why these wines deserve far more attention than they get. From the Sherry Triangle in southern Spain to the steep vineyards of the Douro Valley in Portugal, Carlos breaks down how fortified wines are made, why they’re aged the way they are, and how styles like Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, Tawny Port, Ruby Port, LBV, and Vintage Port all differ. Along the way, Angus shares a deeply personal memory of secretly drinking his grandmother’s sherry after school, while Carlos explains how some fortified wines can literally be hundreds of years old, growing thicker, darker, and more concentrated over generations. They also tackle the big question: Why did fortified w
podcast· 16:57Master Somm tries a CLEANSKIN for the FIRST TIME EVER!
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 sim
podcast· 21:06The BEST Wine of 2025: A Master Sommelier’s Top Pick
In the final episode of Got Somme for 2025, Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos reflect on the year that was through the wines that defined it. Rather than revisiting bottles already featured on the podcast, Carlos reveals a personal Wine of the Year driven by memory, place and emotion. A Champagne enjoyed on a beach at sunset, oysters and lobster on hand, and a moment that perfectly captured why wine is never just about what is in the glass. Angus counters with his own standout wine of the year, an Australian Semillon that completely exceeded expectations and cut through a line-up of elite wines to steal the show. Along the way, they dive deep into Champagne ageing, Blanc de Blancs versus Brut styles, the importance of time on lees, the underrated ageing power of Australian Semillon, and why context and connection matter more than price tags. The episode also marks the end of an enormous year for Got Somme, celebrating huge audience growth and setting the stage f
podcast· 21:30Barolo vs Barbaresco: Which One Should You Actually Buy?
In this episode of Got Somme , Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos take you into one of Italy’s most iconic wine rivalries: Barolo vs Barbaresco . We break down everything from grape variety , regional differences , aging laws , price , aromas , palate structure , and why—despite their similarities—one of these wines consistently demands 30 to 40 percent more at retail. And yes… we revisit the infamous first attempt at this episode, where a $500 bottle of Barolo turned out to be faulty . Cork taint. Wet cardboard. Pain. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAmb5p34Q-I&t=20s If you’ve ever wondered: – Why is Barolo more expensive? – Can you actually tell them apart in a blind tasting? – What aromas define Nebbiolo? – Which wine should YOU be buying? …this is your episode. Watch Carlos Blind Taste this Barolo before we recorded the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/wat
podcast· 15:34LOVE Pinot Noir but not ready for Shiraz? TRY THIS WINE!
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 and maritime influence shape the wine, and why Mencia has become a quiet favourite among sommeliers. Angus approaches the wine blind and shares how he assesses the colour, nose and palate as a novice working on his tasting skills. Perfect for wine lovers who want to expand beyond the usual Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet. Sponsors: RIEDEL Wine Glasses: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller (Australians use code: GOTSOMME New Zealand: GOTSOMMENZ at check out for 20% off) Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine Key Talkin
podcast· 27:57Understanding Champagne Labels — RM vs NM
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 stays consistent year after year. Carlos and Angus taste through five different styles — including Brut Nature , Rosé de Saignée , Grand Cru , and Vintage Champagne — explaining how sugar levels, vineyard ownership, and blending practices shape each glass. Whether you’re a champagne lover, a curious drinker, or just want to sound like you know your stuff next time you’re at the bar, this episode is for you. Sponsors: RIEDEL Wine Glasses: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller (Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 20% off) Grays.com Buy the wine,
podcast· 19:40ONE Ingredient a Master Somm claims pairs with EVERY wine!
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 creativity matters in pairing dishes with wines. This episode also highlights why this food goes beyond breakfast, proving their culinary potential at any meal. Sponsors: RIEDEL Wine Glasses: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller (Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 20% off) Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine Key Takeaways A single ingredient can transform your wine pairing choices. The most versatile foods for wine pairing. Spicy dishes can make wine pairing more challenging. Scrambled eggs pair beautifully with Champagne.
podcast· 21:51The SAME wine 20 years APART!
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 differences like hue and clarity can reveal a wine’s journey. Through this side-by-side tasting, we reveal how aging develops complexity , showcasing the elegance of well-crafted Shiraz Viognier over two decades. Beyond tasting notes, we'll reflect on their personal connection to the Clonakilla label and its place in the history of Got Somme . Whether you’re a casual drinker or a dedicated collector, this episode celebrates the beauty of aged Australian wine and the passage of time in every bottle. Key Takeaways Aged wine offers a unique journey through time . Closures play a major ro
podcast· 22:36Wine of the Year?! Master Sommelier reviews Hallidays Top Pick in 2025
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 up to the hype. You’ll hear from winemaker Giles Cook MW on what makes this single vineyard McLaren Vale Grenache so special, plus Carlos breaks down how to assess Grenache vs Pinot Noir on colour, nose, palate, and ageing potential. We tackle the “Poor Man’s Pinot” debate, explore the history of Grenache in Australia (Barossa & McLaren Vale old vines), and ask: is this wine really worth $95—or more than $300 on a restaurant wine list? Sponsors: RIEDEL Wine Glasses: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine wh
podcast· 41:00Sorrenberg vs The Rest | 12 Aussie Gamays Blind Tasted
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, Beechworth to the Adelaide Hills , we pour, swirl, and sip our way through an extraordinary lineup that showcases the diversity, vibrancy, and rising reputation of Gamay in Australia. In This Episode: The story of the 2019 Sorenberg Gamay – the wine that changed Angus’s life Blind tasting 12 Australian Gamays side by side How terroir, whole bunch fermentation, oak, and acidity play into style and balance The difference between approachable, fruit-driven Gamay vs. high-end, complex bottlings Which Gamays deliver value under $40 – and which bottles justify $80+ Featured Wi
podcast· 25:48Wine from Kazakstan "Very Nice" | Listener brings in CRAZY wine
"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.
podcast· 20:5178% 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:
podcast· 24:46"What the f***" | Master Sommeliers take on Natural Wine
"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 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 ro
podcast· 23:262 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
podcast· 14:55Napa 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
podcast· 24:15Unveiling the 2023 Vintage: Standish Wine Company
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/@gots
podcast· 15:49The Truth: How Bottle Size Impacts Wine Aging (Same Vintage, Same Producer)
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 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:
podcast· 28:11100+ people DEMANDED we make this episode! Master Sommelier talks wines of home - Portugal 🇵🇹
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 winemaking. With a focus on both red and white wines, the episode highlights the affordability and accessibility of these exceptional wines available in Australia. Sponsors: RIEDEL White Wine Glasses: RIEDEL Performance Riesling Red Wine Glasses: RIEDEL Superleggero Hermitage/Syrah and RIEDEL Veloce Syrah/Shiraz 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: Vinho Verde is known for its refreshing Alvarinho grape. The
podcast· 19:052011 Chateau Figeac, Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru | Clash of Palates 🍷
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 bank . With expert tasting notes , food pairing tips, and insights from a Master S ommelier , we examine the nuances of wine characteristics and the complexities of wine pricing in both auction and restaurant settings. Sponsors: - RIEDEL Veritas Cabernet: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/veritas/cabernet-merlot-644900098 - Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: Grays.com https://www.grays.com/search/wine Socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gotsommepodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotsomme Top Takeaways: Château Figeac is a celebrated Grand Cru wine