Charlie Trotter Sued Over Alleged Wine Fraud

Yikes; hotshot Chicago chef (and now grad student) Charlie Trotter has reporteldy been sued over alleged wine fraud.

Reuters reports that Bekim and Ilir Frrokaj bid on a magnum of 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, paying more than $46,200 from Trotter's now-closed Michelin-starred restaurant.

According to the court filing, Trotter and the sommelier claimed that the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti wines were "some of the rarest and most valuable in the world." The Frokkajs claim that after trying to have the bottle insured, they learned that the bottle was counterfeit. Grub Street reports that Domaine de la Romanée-Conti owner Aubert de Villain agreed with the counterfeit claim, noting that low yields in 1945 limited magnum-size bottle production.

The two are accusing Trotter and his restaurant of "violating federal and state consumer laws," seeking $75,000 in damages. Reuters notes that  "Trotter could not immediately be reached for comment" and it is unknown if he's hired a lawyer for defense.