Gamay (a French moreish crowd-pleaser)

The Gamay grape is responsible for Beaujolais*, which is produced just south of Burgundy. At its best the wine should be succulent, smooth with flavour of fresh red berries. It can also be enjoyed without food or with cold snacks such as ham or sausage rolls, so do not forget your new friend when going for a picnic on a Sunday afternoon.

Avoid Beaujolais Nouveau as, more often than not, it will be diluted and will smell of bananas (for those who do not know, it is a bad sign!). Go for Beaujolais-Villages, which is produced from grapes grown in better sites:
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/Domaine-Pardon-Cuvée-de-l'Ermitage-2013/65734

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*check the pronunciation on: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=beaujolais&submit=Submit

Pinot Noir (subtle as velvet)

Pinot Noir is one of the greatest grapes throughout the world producing lovely wines. At the same time, it is also very difficult as its thins skin makes it vulnerable to diseases. Therefore, it needs good soil and climate not to go wrong. Keeping yields low is also crucial as this way wine comes out concentrated and full of aromas and flavours.

AROMA AND FLAVOUR:
Good Pinot Noir is smooth, silky and at the same time concentrated (very complex character, you see?) with strawberry flavours and aromas. Ideally, it should be slightly chilled, before it is served.

BEST REGIONS:
* FRANCE, Burgundy
If white wine in Burgundy is about Chardonnay, then red wine is about Pinot Noir. Burgundy is filled with many small vineyards, among which there are 24 vineyards designated grands crus, all in Cote d'Or wine region:
(http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/Domaine-Georges-Lignier-Clos-de-la-Roche-Grand-Cru-2011/64428)
Then, there are dozens of premiers crus, which is the next step of best quality:
(http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/Maison-Roche-de-Bellene-Nuits-St-Georges-Premier-Cru-Chaignots-2011/64446)
At the bottom of the ladder, we have Bourgogne Rouge and Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire.
Of course, I will not surprise anyone saying that it only gets interesting when the prices go up.

* USA, Oregon
Back in 80's Oregon was considered second home for Pinot Noir. Now, the situation is more tricky and you have to be careful as you choose a bottle. The prices stay high, so make sure you choose something that is worth your pennies.

*New Zealand, Marlborough, Martinborough, Central Otago
Pinot Noir has no trouble ripening in a cooler climate, which is proved by good wines. This fellas will surprise you with their fruity nature, cherries and red berries above all.