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Really, Pinot Noir Goes With Fish?

I know, right, who knew? When the waiter at the Westside Tavern told me that a Pinot Noir wine would go with my salmon, I thought he was crazy. Turns out he wasn't and now I get to add another red wine to my list of must haves.

I like white wine. In fact what turned me onto it was smelling it. But I love red wine. If I can find a red to go with my food, I will probably drink it versus a comparable white wine. Red wine just makes me tingle. So, getting to drink it with fish, is great.

This type of red wine typically has strong raspberry and cherry flavors, balanced by violets, chocolate and truffles.

Just in case you didn't know, I think any wine with truffles is worth your time. Why? I love the taste of truffles. I have never found it in a poor wine. It is something that good wines gain with age.

If you want a great Pinot, try one from Burgundy (also know as Bourgogne). I have a friend, very picky wine drinker, that swears by these. She likes fuller bodied wines though, so if that is not what you are looking for in a Pinot, you may be surprised.

If you would like a typical, but lesser known pinot, try Navarro Wineries. They have some great pinot and one that is made a la methode traditionelle for a mere $29/bottle. Great wine and definitely worth the money. Or better yet, try Philo Ridge.

This winery is located in Anderson Valley and it's one of the best, off the beaten path locations for Pinot. So, if you ever get the chance: GO! There are very few hotel rooms though(maybe 25 rooms in hotels between Philo and Boonville, so you may need to camp if you head up last minute). That means book a room in advance.

Typically it tastes of cherries and strawberries. I've noticed lately though that I like pinots with a violet flavor. Also, these are earthy to almost stinky wines, so don't be surprised if they seem a little funky. Sometimes though, it's just brown sugar all the way.

Oh and did I mention that it goes with salmon? I hear repetition helps people remember and the first time I heard that, I was in heaven. I figure you will remember heaven!

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