"What the f***" | Master Sommeliers take on Natural Wine

"What the f***" | Master Sommeliers take on Natural Wine

Author: SESSION in PROGRESS July 23, 2025 Duration: 24:46

"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:

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.


Ever felt a bit lost staring at a wine list or wondering what you're actually tasting in your glass? Got Somme is here to help, without any of the pretence. This isn't a stuffy lecture; it's a conversation between Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and his mate, radio announcer Angus O'Loughlin, who's keen to learn but starting from scratch. Each episode, Carlos guides Angus-and by extension, all of us-through the fundamentals, breaking down everything from grape varieties and regional styles to understanding why a wine tastes the way it does. The real magic happens when they're joined by some of the world's most respected winemakers, who share the stories and craft behind their bottles. You'll hear Carlos explain how to pick a good wine from a bad one, demystifying terms like tannin and terroir along the way. It's an accessible, often funny journey into wine, perfect for anyone who enjoys a glass but wants to understand the world behind it. Produced by SESSION in PROGRESS, this podcast turns curiosity into genuine knowledge, one bottle at a time.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 50

Got Somme : Master Sommelier's Wine Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Barolo vs Barbaresco: Which One Should You Actually Buy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:30
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 diffe…
LOVE Pinot Noir but not ready for Shiraz? TRY THIS WINE! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:34
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…
Understanding Champagne Labels — RM vs NM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:57
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 sto…
ONE Ingredient a Master Somm claims pairs with EVERY wine! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:40
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 R…
The SAME wine 20 years APART! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:51
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 tra…
Wine of the Year?! Master Sommelier reviews Hallidays Top Pick in 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:36
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…
Sorrenberg  vs The Rest | 12 Aussie Gamays Blind Tasted [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:00
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 Ca…
Wine from Kazakstan "Very Nice" | Listener brings in CRAZY wine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:48
"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 unex…
78% of people didn't know Syrah is Shiraz | Rhone Valley Masterclass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:51
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 cultura…
2 Champagnes that BEAT Veuve & Moët for the SAME Price [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:26
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…