In what context might Pinot Noir be blended?

Pinot Noir is often blended in the production of sparkling wines, particularly in Champagne. This grape variety plays a significant role in both the base wines and the final cuvées of many sparkling wines, contributing its characteristic flavors and acidity. In the context of Champagne, Pinot Noir is one of the three primary grapes used, alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The blending of Pinot Noir with these other varieties allows producers to create a balanced wine with complexity, depth, and the ability to age.

While other wine types, such as dessert wines, sweet red wines, and fortified wines, have distinct styles and typically employ different grape varieties or blending practices, these are not common uses for Pinot Noir. Instead, the focus on sparkling wine production emphasizes the essential role of Pinot Noir in creating high-quality sparkling examples, particularly in the traditional method of Champagne. This is why blending Pinot Noir is most relevant in the context of sparkling wines.