Sponsored
This sponsored story is brought to you by Salt Creek Grille – Princeton.
After many travels to Italy, Salt Creek Grille’s Hugh Preece, operating partner and New Jersey’s only Italian wine ambassador, has gotten to know the best of the best wines the country has to offer. Not everyone can hop on a plane to the world’s largest wine-producing region to try out its top-notch selections, so Salt Creek Grille aims to bring these high quality, value-oriented wines to their menu here in Princeton.
Preece is one of only 92 people in the world certified by Vinitaly International Academy, which focuses on education about Italian native grape varieties and wines. He has spent more than 5,000 hours studying wine, traveling more than 110,000 miles, and visiting over 100 vineyards to do so.
Now, with fall around the corner, Hugh shares his picks for seasonal sips.
Who Says Rosé Is Only for Summer?
Rosé all day in autumn, too, with Tiberio Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo. Made from Montepulciano grapes, its deep pink color looks more like cherry red. Complete with aromas and flavors of dried cherry and rhubarb, with hints of licorice and savory herbs adding complexity, this wine is a unique pick for your palate.
Nebbiolo is always a fall favorite, but this harvest season, choose from Alto Piedmonte’s selection, a wine region of Italy quickly on the rise to stardom. Salt Creek Grille’s recommendation? Opera 32, a product of esteemed Italian chef and sommelier Gianluca Zanetta’s young winery. This 100% Nebbiolo offers a brilliant garnet red color. Boasting exquisite notes of violet and hints of vanilla, licorice, and balsamic, your tastebuds will experience a harmonious, velvety, and soft flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Inspired by the life and habits of the region’s homing pigeons, Rocco Toscani of OT Wine produces Lumeo, a 100% Syrah, from Tuscany. This choice presents itself in a unique, inky deep purple color with an elegant and fine structure. With intense scents of licorice and wild berry, accompanied by vivacious layers of fragrant berries and intriguing spices, Lumeo’s silky tannins create a perfect balance with its lively acidity.
All of these selections are from sustainable wineries and support the environment.
September 18: National Cheeseburger Day!
Stop by Salt Creek Grille – Princeton to try out one (or more!) of the above picks, and get your glass for 50% off on National Cheeseburger Day!
On September 18, in honor of the restaurant’s legendary burger options—a savory Stuffed “Blues” Burger, a satisfying Creek Burger, or a classic Cheeseburger—you’ll get 50% off a glass of wine with the purchase of any of these choices!
Hugh will celebrate September’s tastiest holiday with El Enemigo Malbec, made by Alejandro Vigil, one of the most talented winemakers in South America. This choice pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s Stuffed “Blues” Burger, but would complement any of your options!
Find more of Hugh’s chosen wines at these Salt Creek Grille – Princeton’s upcoming events:
September 19: The Italians Are Coming!
After many trips to Italy, Operating Partner Hugh Preece has amassed an extensive collection of wine treasures to taste. Join Salt Creek Grille for its third annual “The Italians Are Coming” event to explore, sample, and taste wines from over 20 vineyards and talk to the producers in person, as you enjoy a cocktail-style reception with pairings from Executive Chef Wally Weaver.
Thursday, September 19, at 6 p.m.
All ticket sales will go through Eventbrite and are final.
Pre-order tickets for $45, or grab one at the door for $55.
October 16: Vino Italiano!
Enjoy an evening dedicated to the discovery of Italian wines! Explore Italian native grapes with an expertly guided wine tasting, which come complete with food pairings for each selection. This seminar is for all levels of wine lovers, from the casual drinker to the sommelier.
Wednesday, October 16, at 6:30 p.m.
All ticket sales will go through Eventbrite and are final.
$125 per guest.
More information about each wine of focus is available on the Eventbrite page.
Salt Creek Grille – Princeton
Forrestal Village
1 Rockingham Row
Princeton, NJ
609-419-4200
