Fred Franzia will soon launch his own inexpensive "Down Under' brand after purchasing bulk wine from Australia.

The plan is to retail it for $2.99 with the slogan, "Three Dolla Koala."  I believe, like many others, that Mr. Franzia is going up against Yellow Tail (which retails for $6-$8).   Yellow Tail is doing pretty well in the US....The brand grew in dollar sales these past 4 weeks.  Do you think this is healthy competition? 

Here are some of the statistics from this week's show:

The California Wine Institute resports there are currently 2,83 wineries in California; 4,600 wine grape growers; and over 110 different grape varieties grown.  A total of 526,000 acres of winegrapes are planted in California, although vineyards oly take up 1% of the state's terrain.  By volume, Charonnay remains the leading varietal wines from California, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, White Zinfandel, and Pinot Grigio. 

By the way....was there any doubt that Charonnay is the leading varietal???

Everyone has an opinion about closures.  Whether you enjoy the romance of the cork or you think the screw cap is an easy, fresh solution....you have an opinion.  BR Cohn has asked us to hold a poll of our listeners to see if they should switch to screw caps.

My outlook on this you ask...well it is all about value.  If I am at a restaurant or buying a bottle at the grocery store, megamart, or wine shop, I want to open that bottle and have no doubt that the wine is good, complete and know what the wine will taste like.  If it has that screw cap on it, I know for a fact that it is what the winemaker intended.  That is what he put in the barrel.  

Now....let us know what you think.  To the right of this blog is the poll I want you to take...  Vote,  let the true voice of the Wine Crush be heard by BR Cohn.