Top tips for asparagus

Top tips for asparagus

Fresh asparagus is now as much part of spring and summer as daylight saving and the Kiwi barbecue with family and friends which is great news for asparagus lovers like Sacred Hill Managing Director, David Mason.

David reckons the secret to successful wine matching is in how the asparagus is cooked and served, with any number of simple, delicious ideas opening up a diverse range of wine matches, from the usual suspect Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and even Pinot Noir.

For David, it’s all about keeping the flavours fresh and the cooking simple to make the most of the time you have with family and friends.”

Wine matching with asparagus – David’s top tips

Sauvignon Blanc

Still the runaway favourite among Kiwi white wine drinkers and a winner with asparagus. Simply pan roast your spears with a little butter and your favourite fresh herbs (thyme works well), season with salt and pepper and serve. Or try freshly sautéed scallops and asparagus in a white wine sauce.

Pinot Gris

Give your asparagus an Asian spin - steamed, drizzled with light soy, a few drops of sesame oil, and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds, or serve a fillet of miso-glazed white fish with steamed asparagus.

Chardonnay

Asparagus with melted butter or mayo works well with unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnays. Oaked Chardonnays can get out of kilter with asparagus but will work best alongside char grilled asparagus with plenty of rich hollandaise sauce or a creamy asparagus and mushroom risotto.

Pinot Noir

Not the most obvious asparagus accompaniment but a light to medium bodied Pinot will work wonders with the right match. Try char grilled asparagus served with olive oil and shaved parmesan or throw together some simple asparagus, mushroom and goats cheese tarts.

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