Every year, when the first asparagus spears shoot up from the ground, it marks the start of not only the season for fine vegetable cuisine – but also the search for the perfect wine pairing. And anyone who knows a little bit about wine knows: there is hardly a better liaison than asparagus and Sauvignon Blanc.
But why is that? It's simple: asparagus is a sensitive companion. Its subtle bitterness and sulfur-containing compounds make it difficult for many wines to remain charming. Bold red wines or whites with heavy oak influence quickly come across as dull or metallic, or they lose their delicate play of aromas. Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, provides exactly the qualities asparagus needs: freshness, clarity, a lively acidity structure and – very importantly – an aromatic tension that meets the green, vegetal notes of the asparagus without overpowering them.
Sauvignon Blancs from cooler regions such as the Loire or Südsteiermark (Southern Styria) are particularly impressive here. With notes of gooseberry, green apple, freshly cut grass, or citrus fruit, they provide a perfect stage for the asparagus – whether classic with butter or hollandaise, with salmon, egg, or simply on its own with new potatoes.
Our top recommendation is clearly the Sauvignon Blanc Ehrenhausen 2022 from Trummer am Obegg, but the Sauvignon Blanc DAC 2023 from Hack-Gebell also triumphs, especially with its lightness and moderate alcohol content of 12% vol. Those who prefer more natural wines should try the Sauvignon Blanc Intution 2022 from the NeueHeimat winery.
A new discovery from Sancerre and a new winery in our portfolio is Domaine de Rome from Sancerre: Tropical fruit notes, a fine peppery spice, and a balanced acidity structure define the flavor spectrum of the 2023 vintage Sancerre Blanc.
When the asparagus is grilled or lightly smoked, the Sauvignon Blanc can also have a bit more substance – a subtle touch of oak or a single-vineyard wine, such as one from Vincent Pinard with a bit more depth, is truly delightful and arguably the pinnacle of culinary enjoyment.
