Hailing originally from Burgundy region of France, Pinot Noir is a very delicate grape, and must be tended carefully in order to produce a quality wine.  When cared for properly, the resulting wines can be magnificent.  Elegant, lush and smooth Pinot Noir is a great red wine choice for those who are just beginning to branch out from whites.  New World (e.g. Oregon, Napa, New Zealand) Pinot Noirs tend to be bolder and fruitier, while Old World (e.g. French) varieties are usually more complex and earthy.

Pairs well with: nearly everything!  Best pairings are heartier style foods like stews, rustic vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, etc.), mild or creamy cheeses.

As Elegant as it is Impetuous: The Passionate Pinot Noir

Romantic, difficult, sexy, fickle, sensual, sly - all descriptions of the (literally) thin skinned and seductive Pinot Noir. Despite and perhaps due to its two sided nature, Pinot Noir is one of the most popular varietals in the world fascinating wine makers and enthusiasts (and fans of the movie "Sideways"). One again, we turn to Louis Krieger to make sense of this complicated grape and give us some insight into how and where Pinot Noir is grown and vinified (turned into wine).