Veggie Burger -- with a fruity red wine

This recipe suggests a "cherry-scented" red wine to accompany it, but it doesn't say what that might mean. I guess some pinot noirs can be cherry-like -- especially those from parts of California. And while it's not too cherry-ish, I think a cru Beaujolais (such as Morgon or Brouilly) would also pair wonderfully well.
In any case, this makes a nice burger. 
(From Food & Wine magazine, August 2013)

RECIPE: CHICK-PEA, QUINOA AND VEGETABLE BURGER
(Makes 8)

1. INGREDIENTS:
2. 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
3. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling and brushing
4. 1/4 cup thinly sliced asparagus
5. 1/3 cup fregola
6. One 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained
7. 1/4 cup chopped marinated artichokes
8. 2 tablespoons chopped pitted Gaeta olives
9. 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
10. 2 tablespoons full-fat plain Greek yogurt
11. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12. 1 teaspoon chopped basil
13. 1 teaspoon chopped mint
14. 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
15. 2 1/4 cups cooked red or white quinoa
16. Salt
17. Freshly ground pepper
18. 8 slices of cheddar or other cheese
19. 8 burger buns, toasted

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°. Arrange the garlic halves cut side up on a sheet of foil, drizzle with olive oil and wrap tightly. Roast until the garlic is very tender, about 1 hour. Let cool, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins into a small bowl and mash to a paste.
2. Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Put the asparagus in a strainer, submerge it in the water and cook just until crisp-tender, 2 minutes. Cool the asparagus under running water and pat dry.
3. Return the water to a boil. Add the fregola and cook until very tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
4. In a food processor, puree the garlic paste, fregola, chickpeas and the 2 tablespoons of olive oil; transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in the asparagus, artichokes, olives, scallions, yogurt, lemon juice, herbs and quinoa. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Heat a large cast-iron griddle or skillet and brush with olive oil. Using lightly moistened hands, form the mixture into eight 3-inch patties. Brush the patties with oil and cook over high heat until golden on the bottom, 4 minutes. Flip the patties and top each with a slice of cheese. Reduce the heat to moderate, cover and cook until the patties are heated through and golden on the bottom and the cheese is melted. Set the burgers on the buns and top with lettuce and sliced tomatoes, or other toppings of your choice.