Red wine with fish?  James Bond smelled a rat when Red Grant drank - what was it - white Chianti with grilled sole?  But Deighton does not disapprove and nor, it seems, do a number of professional chefs. 
As for drinking spirits before a meal, it appears to be ruled out.  Even after the meal, according to some.  But I like pastis and grappa.  Strega I never seem to come across in Italian restaurants.