As soon as the first rays of sun appear and terraces slowly fill up, we in Delft know enough: it's asparagus season again. And honestly, it always makes us at Wijnhuis Cave a little extra cheerful.
Asparagus has something special. They are elegant, subtle, yet distinctive. A bit like a good wine, actually. But that's exactly where the challenge lies: what do you drink with it without everything getting out of balance?
Grab a glass, and let us take you into the world of asparagus and wine.
What makes asparagus so special (and sometimes tricky)?
Asparagus is not called "white gold" for nothing. They have a soft, slightly bitter, and sometimes even a touch sulfuric taste. It may not sound immediately sexy, but believe us: well-prepared, it's pure enjoyment.
And it's precisely that taste that makes combining it with wine interesting. Many wines clash with asparagus. For example:
- Too heavy red wines → completely overpower
- Oaked wines → make the taste dull
- Too fresh acidity → can turn bitter
So yes… asparagus can be a bit picky. But luckily, we now know exactly what makes them happy.
Which wine with asparagus? (the golden rule)
If you remember one thing, let it be this:
Go for a fresh, elegant, not-too-heavy white wine.
Why? Because it supports the subtle taste of asparagus instead of overpowering it. The classics:
- Sauvignon Blanc → fresh and herbaceous
- Pinot Blanc → soft and round
- Riesling (dry) → fresh with fine acidity
But… there is one that truly stands out for us.
Our favourite: Grüner Veltliner & asparagus
The combination we return to every year is, without a doubt, Grüner Veltliner. And not just any Grüner Veltliner.
Our choice: the Grüner Veltliner from Weingut Weszeli.
Why this one works so well:
- Lightly herbaceous character (think of a subtle hint of pepper)
- Fresh acidity that lifts the dish
- No heavy oak influence
- Beautifully balanced with the delicate bitterness of asparagus
It's a wine that doesn't shout but does exactly what it needs to do. And that's often precisely what you want with asparagus.
Vera recently said: "This is one of those combinations where after the first bite, you immediately think: yes, this just works." And Casper nodded. That doesn't always happen, so that says enough.
How to eat asparagus (and what to drink with it)
Asparagus can be prepared in many ways. And a nice detail: your wine choice simply moves with you.
Classic: asparagus with ham, egg, and butter
The OG of asparagus season.
→ Pair with Grüner Veltliner (yes, there it is again)
Asparagus with salmon
A bit richer, a bit fattier
→ Think of a fresh Chardonnay without oak or a dry Riesling
Asparagus risotto
Creamy and full
→ Go for a slightly rounder white wine like Pinot Blanc
Asparagus salad
Fresh and light
→ Sauvignon Blanc is perfect here
Why asparagus and wine are such a beautiful match
Perhaps a small philosophical moment from the Cave (yes, we keep making that pun).
Asparagus and wine have something in common: they are both about balance.
Too much of one, and the other disappears. But when it's right… they enhance each other.
That's exactly why we're so enthusiastic about this. It's not a trick or a fixed rule. It's about discovering, tasting, experimenting a little.
And sometimes just thinking: this tastes good, so this is good.
Asparagus season: short but sweet
Another reason to enjoy this now: the season is short. Traditionally, it runs from April until June 24th. That means:
- Now is the time
- Now they are at their best
- Now you want that perfect wine with them
Before you know it, it's over again, and we'll all be drinking rosé in the sun (which isn't a bad thing either, by the way).
Feeling tempted? We are.
If you're reading this and thinking: okay, asparagus tonight, we completely understand you.
Want to make it easy for yourself? Just start with a good bottle of Grüner Veltliner. Chances are you'll never doubt asparagus again after that.
Curious how our favourite tastes? You can find it in our collection or via this link.
And if you ever have any doubts: feel free to send us a message. We're happy to help you, without complicated terms, just as we would choose for ourselves.
Cheers,
Vera & Casper 🍷
