Pairing Wine With Asparagus

Wine comes from the ground. It is planted, it grows, it blooms, it swells, and it becomes delicious. This integral part of drinking something as incredible as wine, also can present some challenges in the most unexpected places, such as when eating Asparagus.

The issue arises from the same compound found in Asparagus that can be found in many different red wines: Pyrazines. This can be off-putting to many, but not impossible. All it takes is a little sophistication in your preparation that can make the dining experience of Wine & Asparagus work!

Wine Characteristics To Pair With Asparagus

Characteristic	Detail
Sweetness	Dry to Off-Dry
Acidity	Medium to High
Tannins	None
Body	Medium body Whites
Tasting Notes	Citrus, green fruit, sparkling

Best Red Wine To Drink With Food Asparagus

Generally, a lot of red wines can be prevalent in a compound known as Pyrazines, most notably certain Cabernet Sauvignon styles. This gives the “green bell pepper” effect we have on the nose. Because of this, we recommend avoiding red wine with asparagus, if possible, unless it is in a dish where the asparagus is the side to a very flavorful entree, so that the dining experience isn’t hindered. Certain very light reds, such as Pinot Noir or Grenache, or a dry Rosé, could also be an option for certain palates.

Best White Wine To Drink With Food Asparagus

White wine has one common theme across most varieties that it does or can do incredibly well: be refreshing. If you had to ask for a general consensus, a crisp and acidic white wine would be in most drinkers’ top 5. When it comes to asparagus and its preparation to be paired with wine, a refreshing and non-overbearing white wine is going to be the most safe choice to avoid any uncomfortable mouthfeel.

Burgundy Style Chardonnay

Chardonnay can mostly be identified in the US as a bold and buttery drink of choice, something that has exploded in popularity over the decades. Most drinkers forget, however, that chardonnay originated in the form of a crisp, green fruit and refreshing taste in the cool regions of Burgundy. Look for this type of chardonnay to help cut through any sort of asparagus preparation.

Gewurztraminer

One of the things that makes Gewurztraminer so unique is its incredibly unique floral smell & taste. It almost dupes the palate into thinking it’s a sweet wine, and it has the acidity to still help compliment rather than take over. Look for this wine to be very light and almost matching the vegetal profile of asparagus.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc, like its child grape of Cabernet Sauvignon, shares one important characteristic: present Pyrazines. This sort of pairing, along with the full body and medium acidity of Sauvignong Blanc to offset, can make this pairing with asparagus the most “business-casual” of them all.

Best Wine To Drink With Asparagus

White wine is our recommendation when it comes to a pleasantly beautiful dining experience with asparagus. Make sure the asparagus is cooked correctly, with a delicious sauce or seasoning, and make sure to keep the wine light & refreshing to really bring the dish home!