Pinot Noir is the grape variety used in all quality red wines from Burgundy, and as a varietal wine in several parts of the New World, most notably New Zealand, California and Chile. It is also one of the three grape varieties commonly used in the production of Champagne and other traditional method sparkling wines of the world, either as a 100% blancs de noirs or (more commonly) as part of the traditional Champagne blend.Pinot Noir is somewhat temperamental and, unlike Cabernet Sauvignon, can only flourish in certain conditions and when afforded the utmost care on the part of vine-grower and wine-maker alike. Relatively, thin-skinned, the grapes produce red wines of lower tannins, lighter colour and great charm and delicacy which evolve comparatively quickly, although the very best examples are slow to fade