ABOUT: The name. COS is the first initial of the surnames of the 3 friends who started making wine together on the island of Sicily in the 1980s. Organic wine pioneers, they've never used herbicides or chemical additives in the vineyards, and their wine making has gone through a trial and error revolution. The grapes, Nero d'Avola, Frappato, and Grecanico (Garganega in Soave), haven't changed but they began with used barrels, then new barrels, back to used barrels, now no barrels, and currently they are terracotta amphorae ambassadors due to the success of their wine called Pithos (Cerasuolo di Vittoria aged in amphora). Biodynamics are now in practice, and while being talented winemakers the guys are also architects and built an amazing inn on their property. Sally and I are already planning the trip.
TASTE: Fontane is a region within Vittoria where COS’s best parcels of vineyards are nested. This Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato and has strong aromas and flavors of dried cherries, blackberries, potting soil, dark chocolate, baking spices, orange peel, dates and figs. Medium body and acid and the tannins are fine and well integrated. Almost 10 years on and still loaded with nervy energy and has the potential to develop for another decade. Totally unique and a shining example of how great Sicilian wines can be. We're surprised and thrilled that a wine like this, a wine that could hold its own against the best of Spain and France, is actually affordable. PAIR: Olive tapenade, baked Aneletti, pickled garlic scapes, fried polenta, caponata, and Pesto alla trapanese.
