Pinot

Pinot grapes come in several varieties and are grown primarily on the west coast of the United States (in California and Oregon, mainly) and in France. Pinot grapes are used to make a variety of wines, such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. Despite the different varieties of Pinot wine and the grapes from which they are made, the word 'Pinot' is most often used in reference to Pinot Noir wine.Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to grow, requiring consistently warm days balanced by cool nights. This is particularly true of Pinot Noir grown for dry table wines. Pinot Noir grapes grown for sparkling wines (like champagne) are considered to yield larger harvests. As a consequence of the difficulty growers can experience with Pinot Noir grapes, this particular red table wine is available in much smaller quantities than many other red wines. This generally makes it more expensive to buy. Still, this wine is enjoyed by so many that the extra cost is well worth it for many individuals. Furthermore, there are some labels that offer good values at lower prices.A lighter-colored and flavored red wine, Pinot Noir boasts flavors reminiscent of berries, currant, and cherries. It can also have a woodsy, earthy note depending upon the conditions under which the grapes were grown. Pinot Noir complements lamb, chicken, beef, pork, fish, ham, and poultry. It also goes well with dishes featuring creamy sauces or generous spices.