<P> Burgundy's Pinot noir produces wines which can age well in good years, developing complex fruit and forest floor flavours as they age, often reaching peak 15 or 20 years after the vintage . Many of the wines are produced in small quantities . Today, the Côte d'Or escarpment of Burgundy has about 4,500 hectares (11,000 acres) of Pinot noir . Most of the region's finest wines are produced from this area . The Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais regions in southern Burgundy have another 4,000 hectares (9,900 acres). </P> <P> In Jura département, across the river valley from Burgundy, the wines made from pinot noir are lighter . </P> <P> In Champagne it is used in blending with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier . It can also appear unblended, in which case it may be labeled blanc de noirs . The Champagne appellation has more Pinot planted than any other area of France . </P> <P> In Sancerre it is used to make red and rosé wines, much lighter in style that those of Burgundy, refreshing served chilled, especially in warmer years when they are less thin . </P>

Where does the best pinot noir come from