Winey Tasting Notes: A Little Arrogant Frog In My Pond and In My Wine Glass

I have nothing against frogs in general. As slimy amphibians go, they’re really not that bad. They are cute little tadpoles when they’re born, have big, funny eyes and I really love their legs breaded with garlic and butter. (Oh stop, like you’ve never had frogs’ legs before? Have you had chicken? Tastes just like it. You knew that was coming, didn’t you?!)

I do, however, have some issues with the frogs that have decided to move into the pond in front of our house. They are arrogant little beings who act as if I am Godzilla coming to attack them every time I am out front. They also, apparently, do not like to share the pond with the goldfish that WE prefer to have living there. At least the fish keep the algae down and don’t make loud, embarrassing croaking sounds that scare birds and small children.

Those frogs just did not care that we bought them a pondwarming gift.

I have tried to make my peace with these froggies. We have even gone so far as to embrace their culture and have put a little froggie statue on the rocks around the pond, just to let them know they’re welcome.

But do they appreciate it? Nope. In fact, they pretty much hate us. Just walk up the front path and you will hear the sounds of dozens of frogs diving for cover from the big scary monster who dared to use their own front walk. Or – and this is even worse – try driving your car up the driveway and into the garage without smooshing the little buggers who decided to spend twilight on the warm concrete. (One very deadly night, the score was Winey Husband: 2, Frogs: 0.)

So when I saw a bottle Arrogant Frog wine, complete with the picture of a very self assured, suave FROG on the label, I just had to try some. If only to show the frogs who was the Winey Boss around here.

This wine was Arrogant Frog Lily Pad Red (2010, 13.5%, Languedoc, France). It’s a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot – and given how much I’ve been enjoying blends recently, that was promising. It was a very dark purple color and had rather heavy (unfroglike) legs to it. The aroma was of warm oak and pepper. It tasted of licorice and oak and earth (frogs like dirt, I guess). There was just a little hint of some stone fruit (cherry, plum?) but it was faint. The finish on this froggie was long and puckery with a little bite at the end.

I’m sure some people would just happily ribbit their way through a bottle of Lily Pad Red. I however, found it to be a frog wine that takes itself very seriously. I really don’t think it’s a sipping by the pond type of wine. Nor is it a wine for anyone who is unsure of the whole red thing.  It’s more of a wine to serve with a very civilized dinner (no, you don’t have to eat frogs’ legs with it, but wouldn’t that be quite the theme meal?)  Beret not required, but it would certainly set the tone!

Cheers!

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