2023 COS Nero di Lupo

COS was founded in 1980 by three friends: Giambattista Cilia, Cirino Strano and Giusto Occhipinti, who took their last names to make the acronym COS. Their winery began in the area of Bastonaca, Vittoria and later expanded to Fontane. They were some of the first in the area and in Sicily to push and promote organic and biodynamic farming and winemaking, with minimal intervention in the cellar- a quest to make wine as it once was also led them to what were at the time, experimental aging vessels, of concrete and amphora. They use no additives in their wine, save for a little sulfur at bottling. 

They make 13 labels, including two single contrada Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG. All save for one label, which is not imported to the states, are made with indigenous Sicilian varietals. All wines are made in a minimal intervention style with organic+ * grapes. Over the last few years, COS has really leaned into a lighter style for their entry reds. In previous vintages the Nero di Lupo, made from 100% Nero d’Avola, has been as low as 11.5% abv! This is not your plumy and plush nero d’avola, but rather zippy and mineral.