In Central Otago, the world's southern-most grape-growing region, at the bottom of New Zealand's south island, Pinot Noir flourishes. The region's high altitude, hot days and cold nights are especially conducive to developing intensely flavored, well-structured wines with balanced acidity. Aged nearly a year in French barriques, this wine offers ripe red fruit aromas with earthy undertones and vibrant tastes of dark cherry, blackberry and raspberry with subtle herbal notes and fine, even tannins. A very approachable wine, great for sipping or enjoying with just about anything, including burgers, grilled tuna or salmon, lamb stew or barbecue. Where to buy it: Savvy Gourmet, Swirl, Wine Institute of New Orleans (W.I.N.O.), Partysist and Acquistapace's Covington Super Market. Where to drink it:. Antoine's, W.I.N.O. and Ristorante da Piero (Listings current at press time.)