Here’s the best dry Rieslings for the English Asparagus season

As I have regularly written in this column over the years, when it comes to new season produce Spring is my favourite time of year. It’s English Asparagus that really marks the start of Spring. The 23rd April – St. Georges Day – marks the official start of the English Asparagus season. I think Riesling is so often overlooked as an accompaniment and deserves much more space in our wine racks.

Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling 2022, Marlborough (Waitrose £10.99, Ocado £11.00) may come from a region where Sauvignon Blanc is king but this is a lovely take on Riesling, almost like a hint of Spring in a glass. It is quite floral with citrus and orange blossom on the nose, followed by a juicy palate with crisp acidity and hints of peach and ginger and a very refreshing, finish. If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc but are not sure about Riesling this is a good place to start. Try this with an Asparagus quiche or a dish containing Crab and Asparagus.

Australian Riesling

is a style of wine that can produce some of Australia’s greatest wines. Mesh Riesling 2021, Eden Valley (Ocado £22.00) is a collaboration between two famous wine producers, Jeffrey Grosset and Robert Hill-Smith and given the quality real value for money.

The bouquet shows wonderful purity with grapefruit, minerals and lime zest, the palate is quite intense with more lime and almost steely acidity before a long, mineral influenced dry finish.

Delicious now, although this would happily mature for a number of years, serve it with Asparagus and melted butter or hollandaise sauce.

Schieferkopf Riesling Trocken Sec 2021, Baden (Fareham Wine Cellar £12.75) is made by the famed Rhône producer M.Chapoutier who in recent years has acquired vineyards in various parts of the world including this particular project which has vineyards in both Alsace and Germany.

Again there are notes of orange blossom on the nose as well citrus, pineapple and a little spice, the palate is still very fresh with more lime zest and almost a touch of salinity before a very long finish.

Quite sublime with with roasted or barbeques Asparagus

Alistair Gibson is proprietor of Heritage Cellars. Call 07712 669973 or e-mail alistair@heritagecellars.co.uk