If you reside in the Austin area, you may have heard some squealing a couple of weeks ago.  It may or may not have been coupled with some jumping up and down.  I got my first samples.  Somehow, it felt like validation for me and I was super excited.  A big thanks to Folsom & Associates for the wine and the free entertainment for my family. 

I received three wines from Big House Wines: Big House Red, Big House White, and Unchained “Naked” Chardonnay.  I talk a lot about “Monday Wines” on here.  Those are wines that you don’t have to think too much about opening.  Want just one glass without the waste-guilt?   Don’t feel like pairing it to do it justice?  Open a Monday wine.  They come in at under $10 and are perfectly potable.  Any of these would make great Monday wines. 

I couldn’t find any evidence to confirm or deny, but I would imagine their approach to the blends is similar to what I do some days in the kitchen.  I don’t start with a vision, but instead look to see what I have available to me and what I can do with it.  How else could you come up with theses extensive blends?  Take a look:

Big House Red 2011:

19% Grenache, 17 % Syrah, 16% Tempranillo, 14% Petit Verdot, 6% Mourvedre, 4% Sagrantino, 3% Malbec, 3% Sangiovese, 3%Merlot, 3% Touriga, 2% Aglianico, 2% Negro Amaro, 1% Teraldego, 1% Petit Syrah, 1% Tannat, and 5% other reds.

Big House White 2010

 22.7% Malvasia Bianca, 15.9% Gruner Veltliner, 15.7% Sauvignon Blanc,9.2% Gewürztraminer, 7.9% Riesling, 7.3% Chenin Blanc, 6.1% Muscat Canelli, 5.2% Viognier, 4.5% Verdelho, 4.4% Albarino, 1.1% Pinot Gris

Surely that was not a grocery list, right?  But, instead, a careful blending to bring out the best of the ingredients at hand.  Sounds fun.   From the Red, I got a pleasant, plum nose.  Sour cherry, plum, berry and a hint of violet on the palate.   The White had a lot of tropical fruits and Spring flowers with a bit of lemon bite at the end (thanks, I presume, to the Gruner).  This was my favorite.  Typically, I prefer unoaked Chards for sipping.  I think this one could have used a bit of oak to smooth out the finish, but that is a matter of preference. 

Any of these wines are perfectly sippable for Monday wines or large gatherings.  To that end, they even have environmentally (and wallet) friendly casks which work equally well for the “just one glass” drinkers or the party hosts.  If blends aren’t your thing, they also to plenty of single varietal wines as well.  They are easy drinking, easy pairing, and easy on the budget.  Cheers to Monday Wines!

 {Disclosure: I was provided with wine from Big House Wine’s PR Firm, Folsom & Associates to write this review. All statements and opinions expressed in this article are my own.}