This Wine Is So Thick It Pours Like Paste (Fortified Wines Explained)

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. This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.