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, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine

In this episode:
• What RM (Récoltant Manipulant) and NM (Négociant Manipulant) really mean
• How rosé champagne gets its colour
• The difference between Brut, Extra Brut, and Brut Nature
• Why some bottles taste the same every year (and why that’s impressive)
• What “Grand Cru” and “Premier Cru” actually represent
• How Krug builds an “orchestra” of wines for each vintage

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction – Welcome to Got Somme & the focus on champagne
0:30 – RM vs NM – What these labels mean and why it matters
2:12 – Five Champagnes Tasted – Overview of the lineup
3:36 – Grower Champagne & Personal Picks – Why RM is sought after
5:02 – Big Houses & Consistency – How Moët, Veuve Clicquot, Krug blend wines
7:22 – Orchestra Analogy – How Krug’s cellar master blends hundreds of wines
9:46 – Vintage vs Non-Vintage – Differences in aging and style
12:07 – Unique Grapes & Pinot Blanc/Gris – Expanding beyond classic varieties
13:50 – Rosé Champagnes – How color is created and pressing techniques
16:06 – Brut vs Brut Nature vs Extra Brut – Sugar levels and taste impact
18:32 – Premier Cru & Grand Cru – Top regions & why it matters
20:17 – Tasting RM Producers – Frederic Savard, Paul de Tune & others
22:08 – Vintage Champagne Explained – Aging requirements and complexity
25:14 – Takeaways on Labels & Buying Tips – NM vs RM insights
26:53 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action – Engage with us & subscrib

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.
• Riesling enhances the delicate flavours of poached eggs.
• Sherry adds richness to egg-based dishes.
• Understanding flavour intensity is crucial for successful pairing.
• Creativity allows for unique and exciting food and wine matches.
• Classic pairings have stood the test of time for a reason.

Episode Chapters

00:00 The Versatility of Eggs in Wine Pairing

05:10 Exploring Different Egg Preparations

11:11 Fundamentals of Food and Wine Pairing

17:00 Egg Dishes Beyond Breakfast

Welcome to Got Somme, the ultimate wine podcast where Master Sommeliers and wine experts share their tips, blind tasting challenges, and insider knowledge from vineyards around the world. Whether you’re a wine beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, we explore everything from wine education and wine tasting techniques to sparkling wines, red vs white, and the best wines under $30. Subscribe for weekly episodes and join us as we taste, learn, and uncover the stories behind your favourite wines.

Perfect for anyone looking to improve their wine knowledge, discover new wine regions, or just enjoy a fun, educational chat about wine.

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, 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 role in how wine matures.

• Visual cues—colour and clarity—signal a wine’s age and development.

• Tasting notes evolve over time, revealing complex layers.

• Decanting aged wines enhances aroma and smoothness.

• Comparing different vintages offers insight into craftsmanship and climate.

• The Shiraz Viognier blend holds historical and regional significance.

• Wine can evoke personal memories and connections.

• The 2002 vintage showcases the art of patient aging.

• Both wines tell distinct yet equally compelling stories.

Chapters

00:00 – Aged Wine: A Journey Through Time
02:54 – The Evolution of Wine Closures
06:05 – Tasting Notes: Comparing 2002 and 2022
08:45 – The Significance of Shiraz Viognier
11:42 – Decanting and Serving Recommendations
14:43 – Final Thoughts on Wine Comparisons

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.