Other Names: Pinot Nero, Pinot Negro, Spätburgunder, Blauburgunder.
Popular Regions: France (Burgundy, Champagne), United States – Oregon (Willamette Valley), United States – California (Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz), Australia (Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, Tasmania), New Zealand (Central Otago, Marlborough, Martinborough)
Does Vintage Matter? Pinot Noir is a lighter red wine so generally the younger the wine the better.
Tasting Notes: Pinot Noir is often light to medium bodied and high in acidity with flavors of cherry, raspberry, earth, forest floor, and mushroom.
Something to Say to Impress People: Did you know that sparkling wine labeled Blanc de Noir is made of 100% Pinot Noir grapes?
Budget Buy: The Pinot Project (~$12), Ironstone (~$10)
Normal Buy: J. Lohr (~$22), La Crema (~$25)
Splurge Buy: Domaine Forey Pere & Fils (~$40), Lange Reserve (~$39)
If you like this wine than you should try: Gamay, Grenache, Zinfandel
Grape & Grub 