Archive July 6, 2007

Two-buck Chuck Gold Winner!

It's official: Charles Shaw, the $1.99 Trader Joe's wine that everyone drinks but won't admit it, has proven itself worthy. The 2005 Chardonnay rocked the house at the California State Fair in Sacramento. Yes, Two-Buck Chuck beat out 350 other Chardonnays (some were $100 a bottle!) in a blind tasting, bringing home the Double Gold Award. Not too shabby for an underdog, if you ask me.

Everyone loves gossip and a mystery, and this wine has many. Here are a couple of urban legends connected with Charles Shaw Winery that have helped to make it so popular aside from the great taste and price:

• Security requirements of post 9/11 did not allow corkscrews on board so airlines had to get rid of those bottles and find some with screwtops.
• United airlines was in financial trouble and sold their food service stock, including a ton of Charles Shaw to Trader Joes
• Charles Shaw himself, flooded the market with cheap wine to reduce his wine's value during a bitter divorce.

All these theories are false. Two-Buck Chuck is simply a tasty inexpensive wine people are buying by the case at Trader Joes. It helps people who usually buy jug or boxed wine enjoy a great bottle instead. Bronco Wines (the owners of Charles Shaw) made an exclusive deal with TJ's keeping marketing costs down. Smart move!

So don't knock it until you try it. This 2005 Chardonny is fresh, fruity and well balanced. The red's are great too. The best shiraz for $1.99 I've ever tasted. Don't let your mind or inner- snob get the best of you. After all, it's summer and you need a great bottle of Chardonnay to quench your thirst.

Cheers!

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