It's finally asparagus season again!

Spring would not be the same without asparagus recipes. Therefore, we have collected our favorite wine pairings. Plus: a recipe for Italian asparagus risotto!

Asparagus belongs to spring like wine in a glass. As soon as the first mild temperatures and spring buds appear, local farmers start harvesting asparagus. To grow, asparagus needs fine sandy soil with a neutral pH value, as found in some parts of northern Italy. Harvesting asparagus is a laborious and energy-sapping task, but it adds that certain something to the plate in restaurants all over the world. Whether white or green asparagus - the delicate spring vegetable is known everywhere as a light, fresh and crunchy component in a wide variety of dishes. In Italian cuisine in particular, asparagus is a popular ingredient in various pasta dishes and risottos. In South Tyrolean cuisine, it traditionally becomes the star of the plate at Easter with ham, potatoes and "Bolzano sauce" (an egg-based sauce similar to hollandaise sauce).

Finding the right wine for each asparagus dish is not that easy: Asparagus needs an equal partner that supports its fresh yet intense aroma without overpowering it or getting lost in it. We have put together a small selection of wines for you that go perfectly with most asparagus dishes and promise pure enjoyment in warm spring temperatures!

Wine Pairings: Asparagus

Pinot Bianco Vom Stein - Castelfeder

With its fresh, mineral, elegant aroma and the balanced structure, Pinot Bianco is a great pairing to asparags. The slightly acid taste pairs well especially with light asparagus dishes like asparagus salad or oven-baked asparagus with lemon, olive oil and parmesan cheese.

Sauvignon Riserva Burgum Novum - Castelfeder

Sauvignon and asparagus is a well-known dreamteam. We elevate their taste even more by pairing a Sauvignon Riserva to asparagus. The Sauvignon Riserva Burgum Novum by Castelfeder develops a particularily elegant and creamy, velvety taste because of its vinification in barrique. If you prefer a lighter, fresher Sauvignon, our bestseller Sauvignon Raif by Castelfeder is perfect for you!

Riesling Vasca 59 - Monte Cicogna

This Riesling comes directly from Lake Garda and is produced by the Monte Cicogna Winery. Pair it with risotto, pasta and other creamy asparagus recipes to make the most out of this foodpairing. This Riesling is velvety, soft and elegant and creates an excellent symbiosis with these kinds of dishes.

Prosecco Spago - Spagnol 

If you prefer a sparkling wine with asparagus, we suggest the Prosecco Tappo Spago by Spagnol. It is an excellent choice because of the elegant, fresh aroma and the fine perlage which is a good contrast especially to the intense green asparagus.

Recipe: Asparagus Risotto

serves 4

45 Minutes

Ingredients:

300 g white asparagus

350 g risotto rice

1 onion 

40 g butter

salt, pepper

White wine for cooking

Method:

1. Peel the asparagus and cut off the ends. Place the peel and ends for the asparagus stock in a pan with approx. 1 liter of water, add salt and simmer.
2. Cut off the tips of the asparagus, cut the rest of the asparagus into small cubes and set aside.
3. Sauté the finely chopped onion in a little butter, add the rice and toast briefly while stirring continuously. Deglaze everything with white wine and reduce the liquid. Add the asparagus stock, just enough to barely cover the rice. Keep adding liquid and stirring so that it does not burn.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the asparagus tips and cubes, cook the risotto over a medium heat for a further 10 minutes until the rice is al dente, while stirring regularly.
5. Take the pot off the heat, stir in the remaining butter and season the risotto with salt and pepper to taste.