Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grape varieties to be cultivated for the purpose of making wine. This is the red grape that produces the spicy, rich, complex French red burgundies as well as Pinot Noirs from California, Oregon and Washington. It's also important in making French champagnes and American sparkling wines. French Burgundy wines are world renowned for being elegant, soft and smooth. However, the American Pinot Noirs, particularly those from California and Oregon, are rapidly gaining in excellence and popularity.