Pairings in Paso: Stuffed Sole and Summerwood Viognier

by Tina Swithin

The holiday season seems to go hand in hand with rich, heavy recipes.  I am always on the hunt for light, simple and healthy to counterbalance the normal trend in December.  I know that I will get my fill of turkeys, hams and everything that goes along with the holidays so a break from those staple items is always welcomed in my home.  This recipe of sole stuffed with lemon rice is nothing short of refreshing which also describes the wine that I recommend pairing it with.

Tina's Sole Stuffed with Lemon Rice
1/4 cup celery (slice very thin)
3 tablespoons of onion (chopped)
2 tablespoons of butter (divided in half)
2 cups of cooked brown rice
1/2 cup of grated monterey jack cheese
3 teaspoons grated lemon peel
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh, crushed thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 pound fresh sole fillets
***Wooden tooth picks

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook the celery and the onion in 1 tablespoon of butter in skillet until tender.
Stir in the cooked brown rice, lemon peel, salt, thyme, pepper and lemon juice.
Place fillets in a baking dish (buttered).
Spoon rice mixture over half of each fillet.
Sprinkle with grated monterey jack cheese.
Fold the fillet over and fasten with the wooden picks.
Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
Brush fish with melted butter and sprinkle with the fresh parsley.
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork.  Do not overcook.

The recommended pairing is the 2007 Summerwood Viognier-- 100% Viognier.  (photo at left of Summerwood Inn & Winery)

Winemakers Notes: The 2007 Summerwood Viognier accentuates the lifted fruit flavors that the variety has to offer.  Sourced exclusively from Westside Paso Robles vineyards this wine shows hints of ripe apricots and fresh shredded coconut.  A hint of oak nicely binds the combination and adds texture and mouthfeel.  Fresh natural acidity and mouthfilling flavors are balanced with the warmth of alcohol from wine grapes.  The abundance of forward fruit will suit many types of different foods and the wine can be refreshingly enjoyed quite chilled. 

Cheers!

Tina Swithin is the PR Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes Pairings in Paso and other blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.

Comments

[dentist Hornsby teeth filling]

Another great dish with great fillings.