PLENTY of bundles of fresh asparagus are in the shops just now, but what wines to match them?
I've tried three German bottles that make pretty good platemates and, importantly, are delicate enough not to overpower the veg.
Dr L 2007 Riesling is my Bottle of the Week. Its tangy aromas sit beautifully with buttered spears.
The lemon acid
ity and nuttiness of Kedermann's Pinot Grigio (£5.29, Sainsbury's) dances around the asparagus, and the creamy, smoky and very lush Devil's Rock Pinot Grigio (£4.79, Somerfield) will do a similarly superb service.
Nobilo Marlborough 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (£8.69, Somerfield) is a rollicking, in-your-face New Zealand white to match goat's cheese – and asparagus risottos.
McWilliams Hanwood 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (£6.99, Somerfield) is a heady concoction of hot-dusty country lanes, leather, and brambles wrapped up in sweet fruit.
Palo Alto Reserva 2006 Cabernet Carmenere Syrah (£7.99, Somerfield) is three grapes woven into wonderful mouthfuls of pleasure.
BARGAIN OF THE WEEKChateau Grand-Pey-Lescours 2004 St-Emilion (£7.99, Aldi) has smoky campfire wisps entwined with juicy plum, but the tannins are feisty, so grub will help – fire in grilled red meat of your choice and enjoy.
BOTTLE OF THE WEEKDr L 2007 Riesling (£6.49, Sainsbury's) is a lowly
8.5 in the alcohol stakes, but comes from the stable of 2005 International Wine Challenge Winemaker of the Year Ernst Loosen.
Off-dry, mildly aromatic, it's a joyous lunchtime sipper, or with steamed asparagus.
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