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 Talking Points


Mencia often sits between Pinot Noir and Syrah in weight and structure


Mostly grown in Bierzo and Galicia in northwest Spain


Expect red fruits, violet, rose, medium body and silky tannins


A great option for Pinot Noir drinkers wanting something more generous


Understanding how altitude, climate and maritime influence shape the style


Why Spain’s wine renaissance in the late 20th century elevated Mencia


Blind tasting approach for novices

Chapters

00:00 — What is Mencia?
Setting up the grape, why it’s confusing and why it matters.

00:16 — Why Pinot Noir Drinkers Should Try It
Positioning Mencia for the Australian palate and explaining its style.

01:08 — Carlos’s First Encounters With Mencia
Origin story, credibility and early exposure.

01:53 — What Mencia Tastes Like (Compared to Syrah, Gamay and Pinot)
The clearest flavour and structure comparison.

02:30 — Is Mencia the Gateway Back to Bigger Reds?
Bridging lighter drinkers to fuller styles.

03:32 — Blind Tasting: Appearance and Aroma
The start of the formal assessment.

05:58 — Palate Breakdown
Tannins, body, fruit profile, balance — the core tasting notes.

08:15 — Old World vs New World Guess
Great chapter for wine geeks.

10:33 — Where Mencia Grows and Why It Matters
Bierzo, Galicia, altitude, climate — the terroir chapter.

13:45 — Spain’s Wine Revival and Mencia’s Comeback
History in context, tied to modern quality.

14:56 — Final Thoughts and What to Try Next
Clear closing chapter.

Tasting Notes (From the Episode)

Appearance: Deep ruby, opaque core, richer colour than Gamay or Pinot
Nose: Red roses, violets, ripe strawberry, raspberry, light pepper
Palate: Medium body, silky tannins, red and black fruit mix, gentle warmth, balanced finish
Alcohol: Listed at 13.5 percent
Overall: Fruit forward, expressive, high quality for the price

 

Mencia wine, Pinot Noir alternatives, Spanish red wine, Bierzo wine region, Galicia wine, Master Sommelier podcast, wine tasting tips, medium bodied red wine, Gamay vs Mencia, Syrah alternatives, GotSom podcast, Carlos Santos sommelier, Angus O'Loughlin 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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller">https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller</a>
(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: <a href="https://www.grays.com/search/wine">https://www.grays.com/search/wine</a>
Key Talking Points
<ul data-start="1904" data-end="2398">
<li data-start="1904" data-end="1986">
Mencia often sits between Pinot Noir and Syrah in weight and structure
</li>
<li data-start="1987" data-end="2052">
Mostly grown in Bierzo and Galicia in northwest Spain
</li>
<li data-start="2053" data-end="2131">
Expect red fruits, violet, rose, medium body and silky tannins
</li>
<li data-start="2132" data-end="2206">
A great option for Pinot Noir drinkers wanting something more generous
</li>
<li data-start="2207" data-end="2285">
Understanding how altitude, climate and maritime influence shape the style
</li>
<li data-start="2286" data-end="2359">
Why Spain&rsquo;s wine renaissance in the late 20th century elevated Mencia
</li>
<li data-start="2360" data-end="2398">
Blind tasting approach for novices
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="974" data-end="977">
Chapters
00:00 &mdash; What is Mencia? Setting up the grape, why it&rsquo;s confusing and why it matters.
00:16 &mdash; Why Pinot Noir Drinkers Should Try It Positioning Mencia for the Australian palate and explaining its style.
01:08 &mdash; Carlos&rsquo;s First Encounters With Mencia Origin story, credibility and early exposure.
01:53 &mdash; What Mencia Tastes Like (Compared to Syrah, Gamay and Pinot) The clearest flavour and structure comparison.
02:30 &mdash; Is Mencia the Gateway Back to Bigger Reds? Bridging lighter drinkers to fuller styles.
03:32 &mdash; Blind Tasting: Appearance and Aroma The start of the formal assessment.
05:58 &mdash; Palate Breakdown Tannins, body, fruit profile, balance &mdash; the core tasting notes.
08:15 &mdash; Old World vs New World Guess Great chapter for wine geeks.
10:33 &mdash; Where Mencia Grows and Why It Matters Bierzo, Galicia, altitude, climate &mdash; the terroir chapter.
13:45 &mdash; Spain&rsquo;s Wine Revival and Mencia&rsquo;s Comeback History in context, tied to modern quality.
14:56 &mdash; Final Thoughts and What to Try Next Clear closing chapter.
<hr data-start="2400" data-end="2403">
Tasting Notes (From the Episode)
Appearance: Deep ruby, opaque core, richer colour than Gamay or Pinot Nose: Red roses, violets, ripe strawberry, raspberry, light pepper Palate: Medium body, silky tannins, red and black fruit mix, gentle warmth, balanced finish Alcohol: Listed at 13.5 percent Overall: Fruit forward, expressive, high quality for the price
<hr data-start="2800" data-end="2803">
&nbsp;
Mencia wine, Pinot Noir alternatives, Spanish red wine, Bierzo wine region, Galicia wine, Master Sommelier podcast, wine tasting tips, medium bodied red wine, Gamay vs Mencia, Syrah alternatives, GotSom podcast, Carlos Santos sommelier, Angus O'Loughlin wine

'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 🍇 

'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 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gotsomme/">Got Somme</a>
Cheers 🍇

Wine Podcasts for enthusiasts hosted by a Master Sommelier 🍷

Got Somme : Master Sommelier's Wine Podcast

Got Somme is a podcast for wine lovers who know nothing about what's in the 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 a novice wine enthusiast Angus 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 hard of hearing or deaf with each episode being filmed and posted on Instagram @GotSomme and YouTube with captions.

Got Somme is a podcast for wine lovers who know nothing about what's in the 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 a novice wine enthusiast Angus 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 hard of hearing or deaf with each episode being filmed and posted on Instagram @GotSomme and YouTube with captions.

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