As an Operating Partner for Salt Creek Grille (and longtime owner of the Princeton NJ location), VIA Italian Wine Ambassador Hugh Preece has to know burgers. And while a variety of the American favorites can be found at the restaurant, the Stuffed “Blues” Burger is by far the most decadent. A full half-pound of fresh-ground chuck, it’s stuffed with Gorgonzola, mesquite-grilled over an open flame, then finished with melted blue cheese, blue cheese aioli, arugula, tomato and frizzled onions, all piled onto a pillowy brioche bun.

Hugh chooses to pair this rich, complex dish with Croatina, a native variety from Alto Piemonte (and often Lombardy) that’s deep in color but light on its feet, offering a creamy, velvety mouth feel. It manages to stand up to the beefy burger while simultaneously remaining subtle enough avoid overwhelming the palate. Cin Cin!"