Charlie Trotter Faces Lawsuit Over $46,000 Wine

Two wine collectors have accused renown Lincoln Park chef Charlie Trotter of selling a counterfeit bottle of wine.

But it isn't just any wine, according to reports. It was a $46,200 magnum of 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

The buyers, Bekim and Ilir Frrokaj bought the bottle last June, according to a Chicago Tribune report. They allegedly filed a lawsuit Thursday in federal court in Chicago.

Trotter announced plans more than a year ago to shutter the Armitage Avenue eatery. It closed officially in August 2012 after 25 years in business.

He told reporters the closure was merely a "sabbatical" that would allow him to travel the world with his wife and head back to school to pursue a master's degree in philosophy and political theory.

"During dinner, Charlie Trotter and the sommelier explained the rarity and value of the DRC magnum to Benn and Ilir," according to the court filing. "Charlie Trotter and the sommelier also spoke about wines from the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti estate and how those wines are some of the rarest and most valuable in the world."

The Frrokajs reportedly tried to get the bottle insured and were told it was counterfeit.

• Read the Chicago Tribune story to learn what Trotter has to say about the suit.

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