White asparagus: healthy and easy to cook. Low in calories and rich in minerals, they are ideal for diets and detox cures. However, the latter have a bad reputation when it comes to food and wine pairing. They are sometimes referred to as the “sommelier’s puzzle”, as their bitterness makes them so difficult to match. However, there are wines that go perfectly with this delicious vegetable, which can be enjoyed from the return of spring through to June.
All about white asparagus
White asparagus has a fine bitterness and a discreet taste, encouraging you to opt for subtle, mineral wines.
The mere presence of a sauce, puff pastry, eggs, rice or pasta will influence the choice of wine, and may lead to fuller-bodied white wines. Similarly, if the dish served is creamy, you’ll want to opt for full-bodied wines to highlight the asparagus on the palate.
Red wine fans beg to differ, it’s impossible to match it with asparagus. No pairing of food and red wine is possible, as the subtle, bitter contrast would clash head-on with the tannins of a bottle of red.
Here’s our best selection of white wines!
TOP 5 best pairings
Alsace :
Twil recommends
Muscat, Cave De Beblenheim
gold medal at the Mâcon competition. On the nose, the fragrances are all finesse and no aggressiveness in the aromas. On the palate, this is a fresh, easy-drinking wine. Still with the grape flavors typical of dry muscats. This grape variety perfectly enhances the bitterness of white asparagus.
- Loire : choose this
Pouilly-Sur-Loire les Marnes, Fournier Père & Fils
. Dominated by floral, brioche and hazelnut notes, the nose is an invitation to taste. Woody but light, this wine has a soft attack on the palate, followed by a lemony structure before finishing on a candied grape finish. Subtle but just atypical enough for white asparagus.
- Burgundy : what could be better than a
Pouilly-Fuissé “la Dynastie des Ferraud”, P. Ferraud & Fils
to enjoy white asparagus. Rated 93/100 by Gilbert & Gaillard, this white wine is one of the Twil committee’s favorites. Fleshy and elegant on the palate, it’s the ultimate combo if you’re enjoying asparagus with a sauce. This will enhance the taste of the latter and amaze your taste buds!
- Rhône : Côte-du-rhône
Essentielle, Maison François-Xavier Nicolas
is also a white wine that goes well with white asparagus. On the nose, there’s a lovely minerality. On the palate, the wine’s roundness is in perfect harmony with its freshness. The finish features subtle aniseed and bergamot notes. Rather fatty, it’s best drunk with a creamy dish to bring out the flavor of the asparagus on the palate.
- Sud – Ouest : This white wine comes straight from the Côtes de Gascogne.
L’Audace, Domaine D’arton
is rated 87/100 by Decanter. An honorable score justified by a fruity nose and palate. It stands out for its freshness. Subtlety and complexity! You’ll be surprised at the quality you get for the price! Go for it with your eyes closed.
You now have all the keys you need to appreciate the complexity of asparagus’ taste!
Champagne and wine lover ! 🥂🍷
