COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico 2020

COS was founded in 1980 by Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti, and Cirino Strano. The winery's name, COS, is an acronym derived from the initials of the founders' surnames. This winery has played a pivotal role in highlighting the potential of Sicily's terroir, contributing significantly to the region's reputation for producing top-tier wines.

The winery's roots trace back to the 1880s when Sicilian wines were highly sought after due to the absence of phylloxera, an insect pest that devastated many of the world's vineyards. Sicily's winemaking history dates back to the 8th century BCE, but it's only in recent decades that the region has been recognized for producing high-quality wines. COS has been instrumental in this transformation, showcasing the ability to create complex and fresh wines despite Sicily's southernmost location.

The Vittoria region, where COS is located, is characterized by limestone substrates under a layer of red clay. This unique soil composition contributes significantly to the wines' freshness and balance. Giusto Occhipinti, one of the founders, views the vineyard as a vital asset, akin to a life's savings, warranting utmost protection and care. This philosophy has led COS to embrace organic and biodynamic farming practices, avoiding synthetic or chemical additives. The winery started practicing biodynamic viticulture in 2000 and received organic certification in 2007.

COS is renowned for its approach to aging wines, notably using 440-liter clay amphorae sourced from Spain alongside neutral botti and concrete tanks. The use of clay, which is porous like oak but less influential in flavor transmission, is particularly notable. The winery utilizes stainless steel tanks exclusively for assembling wine before bottling. Extended macerations, including for white wines, are a hallmark of COS's winemaking. They are believed to impart natural preservatives to the wines, minimizing the need for sulfur additions.

Among its notable wines, COS is famed for its Cerasuolo di Vittoria and Pithos Rosso, aged exclusively in amphorae. Della Fontana is a distinguished single-vineyard Cerasuolo. Pithos Bianco, crafted from the Grecanico grape (a regional variant of Garganega), stood out in the realm of whites and matured in amphorae. The COS portfolio is known for its elegance and purity, with standout wines like the floral Frappato and the fruity Nero di Lupo (Nero D'Avola).

COS's approach to winemaking is deeply rooted in the rich history of Sicilian viticulture, paying homage to the region's millennia-old heritage. The winery's innovative practices, combined with a respect for tradition, result in wines that are both a tribute to Sicily's past and a representation of its contemporary winemaking excellence.

Italy's largest island and most extensive region, Sicily, is a treasure trove of natural wine wonders. Nestled across the Strait of Messina from the mainland, it boasts Palermo as its capital. This city is a melting pot of cultures, where Arab, Greek, Roman, and Spanish influences merge, not just in its mesmerizing architecture but also in its rich culinary heritage, including its thriving natural wine scene.

The island's history is as complex as it is captivating, mirrored in its diverse cultural tapestry. This complexity extends to its viticulture. Sicily ranked as Italy's third largest wine-producing region after Veneto and Tuscany, has seen a remarkable evolution in wine quality over the last three decades.

While international grape varieties like Chardonnay and Syrah are making their mark, the indigenous varietals - Nero d'Avola, Catarratto, Grillo, and Inzolia - truly define Sicilian natural winemaking. These native grapes, thriving in Sicily's unique terroir, give life to natural wines as vibrant and varied as the island.