COS Pithos Rosso 2023

COS works in south eastern Sicily, the project three friends founded in 1980 to revive their ancestors' methods through organic farming and old fashioned winemaking. Pithos Rosso blends Nero d'Avola and Frappato. The vines grow on free draining sandy and limestone soils near Vittoria, where strong sunshine ripens the fruit and coastal breezes keep the wine fresh and aromatic. Frappato brings perfume, red berry and a light, floral character, while Nero d'Avola adds darker fruit and body. The wine ferments and ages on the skins in buried terracotta amphorae, vessels whose porous walls allow a slow, gentle oxygen exchange without the flavour of wood, while the underground setting holds a steady, cool temperature. The result is pure, textured and savoury. The 2023 is bright cherry and red berry with plum, rose and a dried herb edge over a fresh, earthy frame. The palate is medium bodied, the tannins fine and the acidity lively. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, with a light chill in warm weather. It works with roast pork, poultry and tomato based dishes.