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.