Philip Togni Vineyard, Ca’Togni Sweet Red, Spring Mountain

While Togni’s reputation is built on Cabernet, the Ca'Togni Sweet Red is a wine they make for themselves and share reluctantly. The wine is made from the red Black Hamburgh grape, a relative of the Muscat family, which has a rich history detailed on the tissue wrapper of each bottle. Originally cultivated by Arabs as a sweet table grape, the variety gained its greatest notoriety in the wines of Constantia in South Africa, when it was considered one of the most famous sweet wines in the world. It was planted by George III's gardener at Hampton Court Palace and exists to this day as the oldest and largest grapevine. Thought to be the only planting of Black Hamburgh in Napa, Togni planted 1/4 acre on his estate. Roses on the label evoke the floral aromas of the varietal. Elevated sugar levels allow the wine to age effortlessly and stay fresh long after it is opened. Pair with berry desserts and chocolate.

Varietals: Black Hamburgh

Farming: Organic

Vinification: Grapes dry on the vine to concentrate the sweetness while preserving acidity

Aging: 8 months in old oak barrels; minimal racking; bottled unfiltered, unfined

Vineyard: Estate vineyard; soils of Franciscan formation, volcanic base