The start of the asparagus season is a wonderful time of the year and worth celebrating by raising a glass of something special. Here are a few tips (!) to get the best wine pairing for your new season dishes.
With its very distinctive flavour, asparagus is known for being tricky to match for wine – get the choice wrong and the wine will taste harsh.
The classic match for asparagus is Sauvignon Blanc as it can often have flavours of asparagus itself. Never noticed? Look out for it next time!
Sauvignon Blanc is grown all around the world but generally prefers a cooler climate. This means that there are many different styles available from the refined lemon citrus and minerality of a Loire Valley Sancerre through to the grass, gooseberry and green apple of a Kiwi Sauvignon blanc, plus everything in between.
But not everyone likes Sauvignon Blanc, so as well as classic choices, here are some alternatives for you to try, including some English wines to go with your English stems.
With steamed asparagus
If you’re having steamed asparagus, perhaps just with butter or a light vinaigrette then I would go for a classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. My first choice is the Turning Heads Sauvignon Blanc which is available at some independent wine merchants, such as Champion Wines (£12.98). It is a classic New Zealand Sauvignon with gooseberries, grass, limes and refreshing acidity.
For something different, try an English wine, especially a Bacchus. The Bacchus grape grows really well in England and, for me, typifies English wine. The style is very fresh and crisp, with aromatic flavours of stone fruits and melon and a mineral finish. Try the Chapel Down Bacchus (Waitrose, £14.99 or Chapel Down 6 bottles, £60).
With something more indulgent
With something richer, such as an asparagus tart* or salmon and asparagus pasta, then a fuller bodied wine will work well to match the textures. My classic Sauvignon choice would be a South African Sauvignon Blanc with richer, more tropical flavours but still enough acidity to cut through the richness of the dish. Something like the De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc (Waitrose, £11.99) would work well.
As an alternative then I have two options. For an English wine, I recommend the Martin’s Lane Chardonnay. Grown and produced in Essex, it is a fresh, crisp Chardonnay with aromas of stone fruits as well as classic citrus flavours and a little toastiness (£16.99 per bottle, purchased as a case of 6).
Or if you prefer something international then I would choose an Italian white, such as the Gavi di Gavi Morgassi Superior from Peter Watts Wine (£18.50). It is from the north of Italy (same region as Barolo) and made from the Cortese grape. Like most Italian wines it is perfect for enjoying with food.
*For the perfect asparagus tart recipe visit The Green Apron
All prices correct at time of writing.
About
Jo is an independent wine enthusiast, who is qualified as WSET Level 3 (with distinction). She is passionate about wine and enjoys sharing her advice through her blogs. Jo is also a keen photographer and loves taking the photos of wine almost as much as tasting the wine! Read more on My Story.
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