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 wines fall out of favour, and what would it take to make them cool again?

If you think fortified wines are uncool, overly sweet, or irrelevant — this episode might completely change your mind.

SPONSORS 

Grays.com https://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 for 20% off)

 

Chapters & Timestamps 

00:00 – Welcome back to Got Somme (and a fortified wine confession) Angus kicks off 2026 with a story involving his grandmother, WWF, and sherry.

02:00 – Why fortified wines are misunderstood Alcohol, sugar, warmth — and why modern drinkers avoid them.

02:40 – What is Sherry? The Sherry Triangle explained Jerez, Puerto de Santa María, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

04:05 – Sherry styles explained (Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso) Biological vs oxidative ageing, flor yeast, and flavour profiles.

06:30 – Pedro Ximénez: how a white grape turns black and sticky Sun-dried grapes, raisining, and extreme concentration.

08:20 – A wine memory that unlocks childhood nostalgia Angus realises he’s been drinking sherry since high school.

10:30 – Australian fortified wines & Rutherglen legends Chambers, ancient barrels, and wines that predate living memory.

12:40 – Port explained: Douro Valley to Porto Why port is made in one place and aged in another.

15:00 – Why fortified wines feel “uncool” today Generational drinking shifts, stigma, and missed opportunities.

17:30 – How Spain made sherry relevant again through food Chefs, Michelin stars, and smart cultural positioning.

20:00 – Port styles explained: Tawny vs Ruby vs Vintage How ageing works and why vintage port can outlive you.

22:30 – Big Got Somme goals for 2026 Touring, international wineries, and what’s next for the show.

24:10 – Final thoughts and a fortified farewell Saúde.

 

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.

Fortified wines might be some of the most misunderstood wines in the world &mdash; often dismissed as &ldquo;old-fashioned,&rdquo; too sweet, or too strong. In this episode of Got Somme, Angus O&rsquo;Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos dive deep into the world of Sherry, Port, and Pedro Xim&eacute;nez, 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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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 wines fall out of favour, and what would it take to make them cool again?
If you think fortified wines are uncool, overly sweet, or irrelevant &mdash; this episode might completely change your mind.
SPONSORS 
Grays.com&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grays.com/search/wine">https://www.grays.com/search/wine</a>
RIEDEL&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)
&nbsp;
Chapters &amp; Timestamps&nbsp;
00:00 &ndash; Welcome back to Got Somme (and a fortified wine confession) Angus kicks off 2026 with a story involving his grandmother, WWF, and sherry.
02:00 &ndash; Why fortified wines are misunderstood Alcohol, sugar, warmth &mdash; and why modern drinkers avoid them.
02:40 &ndash; What is Sherry? The Sherry Triangle explained Jerez, Puerto de Santa Mar&iacute;a, and Sanl&uacute;car de Barrameda.
04:05 &ndash; Sherry styles explained (Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso) Biological vs oxidative ageing, flor yeast, and flavour profiles.
06:30 &ndash; Pedro Xim&eacute;nez: how a white grape turns black and sticky Sun-dried grapes, raisining, and extreme concentration.
08:20 &ndash; A wine memory that unlocks childhood nostalgia Angus realises he&rsquo;s been drinking sherry since high school.
10:30 &ndash; Australian fortified wines &amp; Rutherglen legends Chambers, ancient barrels, and wines that predate living memory.
12:40 &ndash; Port explained: Douro Valley to Porto Why port is made in one place and aged in another.
15:00 &ndash; Why fortified wines feel &ldquo;uncool&rdquo; today Generational drinking shifts, stigma, and missed opportunities.
17:30 &ndash; How Spain made sherry relevant again through food Chefs, Michelin stars, and smart cultural positioning.
20:00 &ndash; Port styles explained: Tawny vs Ruby vs Vintage How ageing works and why vintage port can outlive you.
22:30 &ndash; Big Got Somme goals for 2026 Touring, international wineries, and what&rsquo;s next for the show.
24:10 &ndash; Final thoughts and a fortified farewell Sa&uacute;de.
&nbsp;
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&rsquo;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.

'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.