Pioneering Natural Red Wines from Sicily
COS: Pioneering Natural Red Wines from Sicily
Established in 1980, COS is a pioneering winery based in the southeastern corner of Sicily, renowned for crafting natural red wines that reflect the island’s rugged terroir and ancient grape varieties. Founded by three friends with a passion for traditional, hands-off winemaking, COS has become a beacon of natural wine philosophy, blending innovation with respect for Sicily’s unique environment.
Roots in Tradition and Innovation
COS was founded in Vittoria, in the Iblean Mountains, an area known for its warm Mediterranean climate and limestone-rich soils. The founders aimed to revive indigenous grape varieties such as Nero d’Avola and Frappato, emphasizing minimal intervention both in the vineyard and the cellar. Their approach eschews modern additives, focusing instead on natural fermentations, spontaneous yeast activity, and aging in amphorae—large clay vessels that have been used since ancient times.
This dedication to natural methods and ancient techniques sets COS apart in the crowded landscape of Sicilian winemaking, allowing the unique character of the grapes and soils to shine through in every bottle.
Vineyard Practices Rooted in Sustainability
COS manages its vineyards organically, abstaining from synthetic chemicals and pesticides. The vines are tended with great care, encouraging biodiversity and soil health through cover cropping and manual labor. This sustainable philosophy extends beyond agriculture to the entire winemaking process, aiming to produce wines that are pure expressions of their terroir with minimal environmental impact.
Signature Reds: Depth, Freshness, and Earthiness
Among COS’s red wine offerings, the Nero d’Avola and Frappato blends stand out for their vibrant fruit, fresh acidity, and earthy complexity. Their “Cerasuolo di Vittoria,” Sicily’s only DOCG for red wine, is a flagship cuvée, known for its bright cherry aromas, subtle spice, and silky tannins. It offers a compelling balance between power and finesse, making it suitable for both early drinking and moderate aging.
Another notable red is the “Pithos Rosso,” fermented and aged in terracotta amphorae, which imparts a distinctive minerality and textural richness. These wines are prized by natural wine enthusiasts worldwide for their authenticity, clarity, and the way they convey Sicily’s volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate.
Winemaking Philosophy: Letting Nature Speak
COS’s winemaking emphasizes low intervention and patience. Grapes are hand-harvested, and fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts, avoiding inoculations or additives. The use of amphorae rather than conventional oak barrels prevents over-oaking and preserves the wine’s pure fruit and terroir-driven nuances. This method also maintains freshness and vibrancy, characteristics often lost in overly manipulated wines.
The domaine’s philosophy prioritizes expressing the natural cycle of the vineyard and respecting the integrity of the grape, resulting in wines that feel alive and expressive in the glass.
A Natural Wine Icon with Global Influence
COS has grown from a small family project into an internationally respected producer, revered by sommeliers and natural wine advocates alike. Their commitment to terroir, tradition, and sustainability has helped elevate Sicilian wines on the global stage, inspiring countless producers to embrace natural winemaking methods.
For those interested in exploring reds that combine Mediterranean warmth with a natural, unfiltered style, COS remains a must-try. Their wines embody a sense of place and history, capturing Sicily’s essence in every sip.
COS: Pioneering Natural Red Wines from Sicily
Established in 1980, COS is a pioneering winery based in the southeastern corner of Sicily, renowned for crafting natural red wines that reflect the island’s rugged terroir and ancient grape varieties. Founded by three friends with a passion for traditional, hands-off winemaking, COS has become a beacon of natural wine philosophy, blending innovation with respect for Sicily’s unique environment.
Roots in Tradition and Innovation
COS was founded in Vittoria, in the Iblean Mountains, an area known for its warm Mediterranean climate and limestone-rich soils. The founders aimed to revive indigenous grape varieties such as Nero d’Avola and Frappato, emphasizing minimal intervention both in the vineyard and the cellar. Their approach eschews modern additives, focusing instead on natural fermentations, spontaneous yeast activity, and aging in amphorae—large clay vessels that have been used since ancient times.
This dedication to natural methods and ancient techniques sets COS apart in the crowded landscape of Sicilian winemaking, allowing the unique character of the grapes and soils to shine through in every bottle.
Vineyard Practices Rooted in Sustainability
COS manages its vineyards organically, abstaining from synthetic chemicals and pesticides. The vines are tended with great care, encouraging biodiversity and soil health through cover cropping and manual labor. This sustainable philosophy extends beyond agriculture to the entire winemaking process, aiming to produce wines that are pure expressions of their terroir with minimal environmental impact.
Signature Reds: Depth, Freshness, and Earthiness
Among COS’s red wine offerings, the Nero d’Avola and Frappato blends stand out for their vibrant fruit, fresh acidity, and earthy complexity. Their “Cerasuolo di Vittoria,” Sicily’s only DOCG for red wine, is a flagship cuvée, known for its bright cherry aromas, subtle spice, and silky tannins. It offers a compelling balance between power and finesse, making it suitable for both early drinking and moderate aging.
Another notable red is the “Pithos Rosso,” fermented and aged in terracotta amphorae, which imparts a distinctive minerality and textural richness. These wines are prized by natural wine enthusiasts worldwide for their authenticity, clarity, and the way they convey Sicily’s volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate.
Winemaking Philosophy: Letting Nature Speak
COS’s winemaking emphasizes low intervention and patience. Grapes are hand-harvested, and fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts, avoiding inoculations or additives. The use of amphorae rather than conventional oak barrels prevents over-oaking and preserves the wine’s pure fruit and terroir-driven nuances. This method also maintains freshness and vibrancy, characteristics often lost in overly manipulated wines.
The domaine’s philosophy prioritizes expressing the natural cycle of the vineyard and respecting the integrity of the grape, resulting in wines that feel alive and expressive in the glass.
A Natural Wine Icon with Global Influence
COS has grown from a small family project into an internationally respected producer, revered by sommeliers and natural wine advocates alike. Their commitment to terroir, tradition, and sustainability has helped elevate Sicilian wines on the global stage, inspiring countless producers to embrace natural winemaking methods.
For those interested in exploring reds that combine Mediterranean warmth with a natural, unfiltered style, COS remains a must-try. Their wines embody a sense of place and history, capturing Sicily’s essence in every sip.