When you think of the professionals running the world's wine businesses, filthy mouths and public urination are probably not the first character traits to come to mind. But Fred Franzia is no ordinary vintner. CEO of Bronco Wine, now the fourth-largest wine maker in the country, Franzia hasn't let success affect his head ... or his manners. Joel Stein of Business 2.0 magazine recently had the "pleasure" of profiling Franzia in a lengthy piece that describes the brusque Franzia relieving himself against the side of his Jeep, cursing out the competition, and claiming "We can grow [grapes] on asphalt."
Bronco Wine was put on the map with the Charles Shaw brand of wine, affectionately known as "Two Buck Chuck" and available exclusively at privately-held Trader Joe's. The Chardonnay varietal of this bargain-basement-priced beverage recently nabbed a top prize at the 2007 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. The label, which was first available at Trader Joe's in 2002, is now one of the fastest-growing brands in America, selling 5 million cases per year.

Until recently, the Charles Shaw label of wine - priced at $1.99 per bottle - was great for large parties, weeknight drinking, or cooking. But now, its Chardonnay is appropriate for even the most discriminating palette. Affectionately known as "Two-Buck Chuck," Charles Shaw offers six varietals from California vineyards, all of which are available exclusively at Trader Joe's, a unit of the privately held ALDI Group. 

