Cote de Nuits
The northern half of the Cote d'Or region, the Cote de Nuits is some of the world's prime winemaking real estate, and the spiritual home of Pinot Noir, which makes up 95 percent of the region's plantings. Pinot Noir from the Cote de Nuits has a deeper colour and longer life than wine from Pommard or Volnay, say, further south in the neighbouring Cote de Beaune.
Stretching 16 kilometres north to south and home to 25 Grand Cru sites and 135 Premier Cru appellations, the region's municipal centre is the small town of Nuits-Saint-Georges. While the Cote de Nuits is not as prolific as its southerly neighbour, it is a region that prides itself on quality over quantity. Of the many Grand Cru sites, the prestigious appellations of Vosne-Romanee and Chambolle-Musigny produce ethereal versions of Pinot Noir, usually for a stratospheric price. Nothing comes cheap on the Cote de Nuits, but if you're looking for diamonds (or red rubies) this is the best mine to prospect in.