Winemaker Notes
Within a couple of years, Arrogant Frog has made itself the mascot of our Estates. The humble winemaker shows that with creativity, know-how and a sense of humor, we can make Southern French wines shine around the world and give pure pleasure, at a reasonable price! Arrogant Frog represents our South of France “Art de Vivre”. Chateau Arrogant Frog is made out of 20 hectares (50 acres) in the Limoux grand cru. The Arrogant Frog cuvées are Chateau Arrogant Frog, Arrogant Frog reserve, as well as single varietal or blends.
Jean-Claude Mas, independent winemaker, fourth generation grape grower, first generation winemaker, and owner of Domaines Paul Mas, is a leader in fine winemaking in the Languedoc region of the South of France. Arrogant Frog – a witty nod to the popular term for a Frenchman, Jean-Claude has embraced the stereotype to showcase the outstanding value and style of Languedoc winemaking.
Cabernet Sauvignon vines are 16 to 31 years old and planted on clay, limestone, and gravel soils. Merlot vines are 14 to 33 years old and planted on deep clay and limestone. The terroir consists of 4 elements: soil, climate, type of vines, and the work of winegrowers and oenologists.
An extensive appellation producing a diverse selection of good quality and great values, Languedoc spans the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon all the way to the Rhône Valley. Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains, with a warm Mediterranean climate and frequent risk of drought.
Virtually every style of wine is made in this expansive region. Most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. For reds and rosés, the primary grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Macabéo, Clairette, Piquepoul and Bourbelenc.
International varieties are also planted in large numbers here, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key region for sparkling wines here is Limoux, where Blanquette de Limoux is believed to have been the first sparkling wine made in France, even before Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is produced in a more modern style.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.