Pinot Noir is the classic red wine variety of Burgundy. The color and varietal character is acheieved by allowing ripeness to 20-23 brix.  Color is in the skins of ripe grapes.  If pressed it will be light in color and if fermented at a lower brix of 18-19 for sparking wine, the color can be very light.  It is a traditional favorite for sparkling wines and is often blended with Chardonnay. 

In the vineyard the vineyardist must carefully control crop level and effectively control harvest, so that harvest season cluster rot is minimized and grape berry break-down is not allowed, so that a high quality wine will result.   (Grape berry break-down:  The berries tends to break down if left on the vine over long.)