They’ve made exceptional cheap wine their quest, and here they share their treasure.
In this edition of Steals we tapped two people who know how to find really good cheap wine (AKA value for moolah). Angus O'Loughlin and Carlos Santos started their podcast Got Somme with one mission: to find the best bottle of wine you can buy for under $30.
They come to this task with varying levels of expertise. Carlos is one of only a few hundred Master Sommeliers in the world (Australia only has seven), and has spent most of his career in Michelin-star restaurants around the globe. He’s only 33, but the work started early. He’s currently Wine Director at Vue Group in Melbourne, but hails from Portugal where he grew up on a vineyard.
Angus on the other hand is a true wine enthusiast, for all drops great or small, but before teaming up with Carlos he couldn’t tell his Bordeauxs from his Nebbiolos. He knew what he liked, but couldn’t tell you why. (No shade Angus, you’re in the majority.) You might have heard Angus on the mic before – he’s spent 15 years in the entertainment industry across TV, radio and podcasts. In addition to Got Somme, he and his bestie Dylan Alcott produce the brilliant disability-focused podcast ListenABLE.
Working their way through readily-available bottles, the Angus and Carlos have been shown time and time again that any wine can be great. “It's the level of attention, or profit, a vineyard decides to undertake.” Ergo, there are wines meant to be "cheap and cheerful", and there are wines that have to be cheap because they aren't widely recognised, but perform far beyond their price point. They’re the wines we’re hunting for. The Willy Wonka golden tickets. Luckily, the guys found four for us without having to take on any oompa loompas. Ahead, the wines under $15 that get the Got Somme tick of approval.
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1. Ludo Le Francais Pinot Noir IGP Pays d'Oc, $12.99
Why should you try it?
“If this wine was produced in Burgundy you would be paying 4 or 5 times the price for the same thing, just because of the name,” says Angus. A case of a good wine from the wrong side of the tracks, huh? Not exactly. “Think of this as the little brother pinot who studies hard for the test whereas their older sibling, Burgundy, can simply get through it based on natural talent.” Buying this bottle is like backing the underdog. Which makes the win that much sweeter.
Tastes like?
The slightest French funk, used endearingly, gives away hints that this bottle comes from the old world.
What to sip it with?
“Match-wise, a fatty fish will be a treat,” says Carlos. “Thinking, poached salmon with caper and butter sauce. The red fruit with delicate tannin will break through the protein of the fish, just fine.” Sounds awesome – you cooking, Carlos?
2. Salterio Mencia Bierzo, $16.99
Why should you try it?
Because wine should be educational (sometimes), this is a bottle that shows how minerality can affect wine. So it’s a bottle for those who want to know more about what’s in their glass. “We tried the Pazo Barrantes Albariño (another Spanish wine) on the podcast,” says Angus. “It comes from closer to the ocean so the minerality is more wet, salty but this bottle has a dark clay effect on the palate.”
Tastes like?
The guys describe it as a “one-second wonder”, because one sip and you’re immediately greeted with tannins that dry the mouth and big blackberry notes before they disappear.
What to sip it with?
“Matching this with the right food can help prolong the taste and make it very appealing,” says Carlos. He recommends matching like for like, Spanish for Spanish. “Cecina, the local cured smoked beef from Galicia, or chorizo and other cured meats. The fatty and spicy meats will need a wash up on the palate, so this Mencia may be just what you need!”
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3. Macho Gaucho Malbec, $14.99
Why should you try it?
Pull on your Messi jersey and do the tango because this one got Carlos’ attention, “I’m so impressed at under $15 it speaks like a Malbec”. He pegs it as a pleasingly typical Argentinian Malbec with balanced jammy fruits. “For an entry level Malbec, this is a fantastic option.” Goal!
Tastes like?
Black fruit, very well balanced with violet flower and a slight clove note. The higher alcohol content is sense-able but not overpowering.
What to sip it with?
“A proper steak,” suggests Carlos. However, for the vegetarians out there, we’re sure a plant-based steak is just as matchable when they’re both covered with chimichurri and served with thick-cut chips.
4. Hidden Ridge Coonawarra Shiraz, $13.99
Why should you try it?
Carlos admits that, with a Portuguese accent, “Coonawarra” is a mouthful. As an actual mouthful of wine though, he’s more comfortable. It’s very emblematic of the area, which can cost quite a bit more. This red takes grapes from different vineyards in the region to create a blend that Angus describes as “peppery” and Carlos corrects as “spearmint”.
Tastes like?
Young red berry, cedar and mocha with that choco-mint under-flavour.
What to sip it with?
This shiraz summons BBQ ribs. “Slow cooked in foil on the grill and covered in a thick, sweet sauce,” drools Angus.
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