The most important factor in determining the taste of a wine is the grape variety from which it is made. This series looks at each of the major grape varieties and assesses wines made all over the world from that variety. The focus of the series is primarily on flavour and quality. Each volume includes background information on the grape variety and advice on the best way to buy, store and serve the wines made from it. A gazetteer lists the main wines made from the variety in Europe, North and South America, Australia and New Zealand. A special feature of this series is the individual ratings given for quality, price and best recent vintages. Pinot noir has earned the reputation of being the world's most difficult, temperamental and controversial grape variety. Perhaps that is appropriate for a vine that originated in Burgundy, the world's most complicated wine region. Red burgundy is thought of as a rich, full-bodied wine, but, as the author reveals, a debate rages in the region over the true character of pinot noir, as some maintain that it naturally gives light-coloured wines. What are not in doubt are the voluptuous scent and velvety body of great red burgundy. The emulation of Burgundy's great wines has become the Holy Grail of winemakers in the New World. Many have tried, but few have fully succeeded. The best of the new pinot noirs may be coming from the West Coast of America but, Andrew Barr, having unravelled the secrets of Burgundy, provides coverage of other producer - countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Germany.