Fish and Wine

There is a wonderful affinity between wine and fish and shellfish. The delicate flavors of fish usually call for subtle white wines, but earthy ingredients—wild mushrooms, tomatoes, bay leaves, olives — and cooking techniques such as grilling can make fish and shellfish perfect with a red wine, too.

Rich shellfish stews are another example of red wine-friendly fish dishes. In fact, most fish preparations that are in the Mediterranean style or influenced by Mediterranean cooking have an affinity for lighter-style red wines. I’ve been asked a few times what my last meal would be if I had a choice. There’s no question—a piece of grilled wild king salmon and a glass of good California Pinot Noir.