Flavorful, well-seasoned dishes made with Wild Alaska Sole are even more satisfying when paired with a wine that complements the taste experience. A light, bright varietal that enhances sole’s subtle sweetness and doesn’t overpower its delicate flavor provides balanced, refreshing sips between bites. When cooked to perfection and served with the right drink, Wild Alaska Sole can turn even a simple weeknight dish into a luxurious, indulgent meal. Below, you’ll find our top wine pairing tips along with eight matches so harmonious, you could call them sole-mates!
Wine Pairing Tips
When pairing wine with Wild Alaska Sole, following a few simple guidelines can make all the difference. Begin by matching the weight and body of the wine to the dish. Lighter wines complement milder fish and simpler preparations, while fuller-bodied options suit richer sauces or heavier seasonings. Be sure to pay close attention to the wine’s acidity, tannin and sweetness. A high-acid wine can cut through richness, while a touch of sweetness can balance spicier preparations.
How your sole is prepared also plays a big role in wine pairing. Spicy and grilled, sautéed with butter and herbs, or baked alongside earthy vegetables, each preparation brings out unique flavors in the fish and works best with its own style of wine. Another smart guideline: follow the wine in the recipe. If the instructions call for cooking with wine, that same wine typically makes the perfect drink pairing as the flavors are already woven into the meal.
Recommended Wines
- Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp and citrusy, sauvignon blanc beautifully enhances sole’s clean flavor, especially when it’s prepared with a lemon butter sauce. We recommend pairing a glass of sauvignon blanc with a classic sole meunière, as the lively wine balances the richness of the butter without overpowering the delicate fish.
- Pinot Grigio
Pinot grigio is dry and light with subtle fruit notes, accentuating sole’s natural, subtly sweet elements. When matching pinot grigio with a dish, here’s a simple tip: If you’d squeeze a lemon wedge over it, pinot grigio will pair wonderfully. If you’re looking for the perfect recipe, we recommend a pan-seared sole with lemon, like this Alaska Sole with Lemon Shrimp Celery Salad. The vibrant pinot grigio complements the citrus and chives, enhancing the clean, refreshing flavors.
- Albariño
Zippy with a hint of salinity, albariño’s character echoes the oceanic waters of Alaska, making it ideal with lightly seasoned Wild Alaska Sole. We suggest pairing it with a baked sole and Provencal vegetables, like our Ratatouille with Alaska Sole and Olives recipe. Acidic, floral wines like albariño will lift the fresh, savory flavors in the dish and complement the tender, light fish.
- Chablis
Chablis is a clean, medium-bodied, and elegant wine that can cut through strong savory notes. Try Chablis with a grilled flounder recipe, as its minerality will emphasize the fish’s subtle sweetness, while its crispy acidity will balance out the salinity and any char from the grill.
- Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a medium- to full-bodied white wine known for its acidity, smooth, often buttery notes, and hints of ripe fruit. It pairs flawlessly with grilled or pan-seared recipes. Try it with a blackened flounder, as the robust wine complements the strong savory elements and smoky spicy notes in the fish.
- Sparkling Wine (Champagne, cava, or prosecco)
Crisp and refreshing, light-bodied sparkling wine adds brightness and balance to the mild flavor of sole. We suggest pairing it with rich, breaded dishes like baked flounder with panko and parmesan. The sparkling wine cuts through the heavier textures and flavors, refreshing the palate between bites.
- Beaujolais
Beaujolais is a chilled, light-bodied red wine, ideal for those who prefer red but want a milder variety that marries well with white fish. Beaujolais is a great option for a sole dish with earthy ingredients such as tomato sauces or mushrooms. We recommend pairing it with a flavorful stew like Pesce all Acqua Pazza (Fish in Crazy Water). The chilled Beaujolais brings red-fruit notes and lively acidity that complement the tomato-herb broth without overwhelming the flavors.
- Citrus Mocktail
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, consider non-alcoholic versions of the wine pairings listed above, or a bright, citrus-forward mocktail. A zesty mocktail—like a lemon ginger fizz with lemon juice, ginger syrup, honey, and sparkling water—contains similar notes to clarify and cleanse the palate.
While there are countless options to choose from, Wild Alaska Sole’s clean, buttery taste shines with a variety of wines, each highlighting a unique facet of this versatile fish. Overall, there’s no single “right” answer when choosing wine to accompany your Wild Alaska Sole dish. Every bottle offers a new experience and a different way to experiment, taste, and discover.