Ever since our post on weird wine names, I've been on the hunt for wines with quirky names.  Finally I got the2007 Arrogant Frog Croak-Rotie chance to try one--the 2007 Arrogant Frog "Croak-Rotie."  And surprise!  A funky wine name does not a funky wine make.  In fact, I deemed this one good enough to share with you.

Ok, I'll admit it--it's the label that drew me in.  I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and you certainly shouldn't judge a wine by its label.  But how cute is that beret-and-walking-stick-clad frog?  (Sorry, manly-man readers, but you have to admit it.)  I don't know if I can bear to recycle it.

Label aside, this is a very good sipping wine.  It's a Syrah-Viognier blend, with 85% Syrah and 15% Viognier--an unusual and interesting combination.  The big, bold Syrah benefits from the addition of the aromatic, fruit-forward Viognier: the wine is a rich, bold one that's also soft and mellow.

The wine's aromas are of deep, jammy blueberries and strawberries.  The wine has medium tannins, which give it structure, but balances its fruitiness with hints of spice and licorice.  It would be perfection for a picnic or backyard gathering, with some Gruyere cheese and a nice baguette.  Or serve it for dinner with pasta in a hearty tomato sauce, or a simple fall stew.  It would also be great with (and in) our recent Coq au vin recipe.  Enjoy!  (Or, as an arrogant frog would probably say: "À votre santé!...ribet.")