Charles Shaw is a brand of bargain-priced wine. Largely made from California grapes, Charles Shaw wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, White Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Valdiguié in the style of Beaujolais nouveau, and limited quantities of Pinot Grigio. These wines were introduced at Trader Joe'sgrocery stores in California in 2002 at a price of US$1.99 per bottle, earning the wines the nickname "Two Buck Chuck" and eventually sold 800 million bottles between 2002 and 2013. In 2009, an international version of Chardonnay from Australia was introduced in limited stores. Prices in states other than California have increased to US$3.79 per bottle. The price was later raised., a bottle of Charles Shaw retailed for US$1.99 in California. The cost of the wine is about 30 to 40 percent of the price, with the glass, cork and distribution the larger part. The cost of shipping Two-Buck Chuck anywhere out of California becomes too high to justify the US$1.99 price. In April, 2018, the winery introduced a line of organic wines, at US$1 higher than their standard line.
History
The brand began as an eponymous winery owned by Charles F. Shaw, producing Beaujolais-style wines in the Napa Valley AVA. During Bankruptcy proceedings in 1995, its trademark was acquired for $27,000 by Bronco Wine Company, owned by Fred Franzia, formerly of Franzia Brothers wines. The company produces the Charles Shaw label at their Ceres, Escalon and Napa, California wineries. A 2006 L.A. Times story said the company could fill 60,000 bottles of the Charles Shaw brand in two to three days.
In Chuck Chuck and his team go to a winery in France while on a mission. An oenophile states that Chuck would not know the difference between fine wine and "Two Buck Chuck". Chuck replies that he likes Two Buck Chuck.
In Person of Interest Finch tells Shaw, "Until I can access some auxiliary funds, we have no choice but to commit to our identities' socioeconomic status." Shaw replies, "Copy that. Ramen and Two Buck Chuck for the rest of the month."
In Jane the Virgin Michael chides Jane for overspending on a bottle of wine, saying, "that is not Two Buck Chuck".
In Friends from College, the wine makes an appearance when Ethan Turner and Lisa Turner are getting rid of stored items from their marriage.
Modern Marvels Production of Charles Shaw and other wine made by Bronco Wine Company is seen in detail.
Awards
At the 28th Annual International Eastern Wine Competition, Shaw's 2002 Shiraz received the doublegold medal, beating approximately 2,300 other wines in the competition. Shaw's 2005 California Chardonnay was judged Best Chardonnay from California at the Commercial Wine Competition of the 2007 California Exposition and State Fair. The chardonnay received 98 points, a double gold, with accolades of "Best of California" and "Best of Class".
