COS : Pithos Rosso 2019

The uniqueness of a Sicilian red wine by COS

The estate

The COS estate was founded in 1980 by three friends, studying architecture and medecine, who were passionate about wine. Originally from the province of Vittoria, they acquired an old estate, making them the youngest winemakers in the region. Today, COS is one of the most influential producers in Sicily, if not in all of Italy. Giusto Occhipinti is the iconic figure of COS. Together with his partner Giambattista Cilia, they focused on one wine in particular: Cerasuolo di Vittoria, an Italian wine made from a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato.

The vineyard spreads over 37 hectares, perched between 230 and 270 metres above sea level. The Sirocco and the winds from the Hyblaean mountains sweep through this exceptional terroir composed of tufa, clay and sand. Vittoria’s climate gives the Nero d'Avola grape variety an extraordinary elegance, while giving the Frappato grapes a great finesse. In 2000, COS decided to implement and cultivate its vineyard using biodynamic farming practices, aiming to produce the purest wines possible.

The vineyard

An iconic reference among the fine Vittoria Rosso wines, this 2019 Pithos Rosso by COS is made from vineyards located in the villages of Bastonca and Vittoria in south-eastern Sicily. The vines are 25 years old on average and are planted 230 metres above sea level. Resting on red earth and sandy soils dating from the Pliocene era, the soils contain a high proportion of limestone and silica.

The vinification and ageing

Fermentation exclusively with wild yeasts in terracotta amphorae. The wine is aged in amphorae and then in bottles before being put on the market.

The blend

Nero d'Avola

Frappato