Salmon and Pinot Noir

If you think you automatically need to partner a fish dish with white wine think again! Meaty fish such as salmon and tuna take really well to Pinot Noir, the grape variety that the hero Miles raved about in the hit movie Sideways.

I wouldn't, of course, pour it in all cases. If I was serving simply poached salmon cold or hot with a butter sauce I'd still go for a medium-bodied white like a Chardonnay but if it's seared, grilled or barbecued or served with a spicy crust then a light red like Pinot Noir provides a lovely contrasting sweetness.

Try some of the great value bottles currently coming out of Chile such as the Las Brisas Pinot Noir, currently available at the Co-op and Sainsbury's for £8.99.

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