Which wines to drink with asparagus? Wine pairing guide

Although asparagus can be found from the beginning of the year, this vegetable is actually a perennial plant that grows in spring. Asparagus has almost always been used for nourishment, its fine, delicate texture appealing as far back as 3000 BC, but it was also used for medicinal purposes due to its diuretic properties. Here are all the best food and wine pairing guides:

> Food and wine pairing guide

 

Different types of asparagus to accompany wine

But let's talk about cooking! There are 3 very different types of asparagus.

White asparagus is an asparagus that has grown completely underground. It has fine aromas and a delicate texture. Next comes purple asparaguswhich is basically a white asparagus, but which has been allowed to grow out of the ground. It is more aromatic and has a slightly bitter finish. To finish green asparagusThis is the fruitiest of all, as it develops in the open air and will be more expressive, almost sweet.

The traditional pairing with asparagus is Muscat d'Alsace. Its floral and fruity notes make it an all-purpose white wine to match these triplettes. But let's look a little further...

 

• White Asparagus, Mousseline Sauce with Wine

Probably one of the most popular recipes for white asparagus.

So you're familiar with the taste of asparagus, but not yet with this sauce. Mousseline sauce is a mustard and lemon-based sauce. It enhances the delicacy of the asparagus. To accompany this dish, you'll need a dry, fruity white wine with a citrus flavour, as lemon is a must! There's nothing like a good Sauvignon!

The estate François COTAT offers MAGNIFICENT Sancerre wines, among the finest in the appellation. If you're craving a great Sauvignon, why not try our Sancerre "Les Monts Damnés 2019" from the finest terroirs in this village, offering powerful aromas and great minerality.

 

• Risotto with purple asparagus to accompany wine

Don't be afraid to try risotto. Few households cook it, yet it's relatively simple to make. For this recipe, a vegetable stock is needed to cook the rice, giving the risotto its aroma. The green asparagus placed on top and covered with thin strips of Parmesan finish the job.

In terms of taste and harmony, you'll have to play with the texture of the rice, the taste of the broth, the slight bitterness of the asparagus and the character of the Parmesan. The wine will have its work cut out for it!

There are two possibilities. Either we look for the creamy, fatty side of the wine to accompany the texture of the rice, while retaining its taste and opulence. The Ferret estate on Pouilly-Fuissé will get the job done, as its Chardonnays are full of sunshine, exuberant and fat, with a hint of bitterness on the finish, ideal for purple asparagus.

The second solution would be to go for a Mediterranean white wine. Rhône Valley, Languedoc would be perfect. A white from Côtes Catalanes estate Le Roc des Anges will sublimate your dish. We recommend discovering their cuvée OcaA 100% Macabeu with aromas of white fruits and white peaches, but with a mid- and finish that brings out the soul of its terroir. Hints of thyme, floral notes and light garrigue join the party. A real discovery!

 

Dear readers, thank you very much. The Comptoir des Millésimes team hopes you'll find the perfect accompaniment to your asparagus dishes! Don't hesitate to ask us any questions you may have in the comments section of the blog. We'll be happy to help. Now, for the tasting, it's this way! :

> The best wines to accompany asparagus