COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico DOCG 2020
COS · Azienda Agricola COS
COS was fermenting in buried terracotta amphorae before it became fashionable, and this Cerasuolo di Vittoria shows why the method endures. It's Sicily's only DOCG red expressed in its purest form — no oak distraction, just Nero d'Avola and Frappato in transparent conversation.
Nose
Bright cherry and wild strawberry dominate, with dried rose petals and a savory herbal underpinning. There's a subtle earthiness — volcanic soil and dried herbs — that anchors the fruit without darkening it.
Palate
Medium-bodied and elegantly structured, the palate delivers tart cherry and berry fruit with a streak of citrus acidity. Mid-palate brings gentle toasted spice from the amphora aging, along with a hint of mint. Tannins are fine-grained and unobtrusive.
Finish
Medium, with persistent cherry and a mineral, almost salty close that recalls the Sicilian terroir.
- Varietal
- Nero d'Avola
- Blend
- 60% Nero d'Avola, 40% Frappato
- Vineyards
- Estate vineyards in Vittoria, southeastern Sicily, on calcareous clay and sandy soils
- Alcohol
- 13%
- Organic / Biodynamic
- No
Food Pairing
Pasta alla Norma with salted ricotta
Founded in 1980 by three childhood friends — Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti, and Cirino Strano — COS pioneered the revival of amphora winemaking in Sicily's Vittoria zone, producing wines of startling purity from organically farmed vineyards.
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