Pinot Noir wines were once associated with France’s Burgundy region.  Today, Pinot Noir wines are growing in popularity but can be very difficult to cultivate.  They have found a home in California's Russian River Valley and Central Coast as well as in Oregon.  Pinot Noir wines can range from light to medium bodied with rich, red fruit aromas and a lighter red color than many red wines.  Pinot Noir is used to make Champagne, adding a light fruit flavor component.  Pinot Noir wines have great complexity and smoothness of flavor.  Old World versions of Pinot Noir wines feature notes of mushroom, smoke, tea and spice with characteristic tartness.  New World Pinot Noir wines are lighter and fruitier, with elements of earth, florals, and juicy red fruits.