COS Vermouth Rosso Nero d’Avola 2021 2023

Azienda Agricola Cos farms biodynamically near Vittoria in south eastern Sicily, and has done since 1980. This vermouth takes Nero d'Avola, the island's principal red grape, as its base wine rather than a neutral white, which is unusual and sets its colour and weight. The vineyards sit on calcareous and sandy soils under a hot, dry Mediterranean climate, with sea breezes that keep the herbs and fruit fresh. The base wine is fortified to 18% and aromatised by maceration with wormwood and Sicilian botanicals, the bitter and aromatic compounds drawn into the wine and alcohol over time before sweetening and resting. The result is deep ruby with a garnet rim. The nose carries candied orange and red berries, dried mountain herbs, clove and a green wormwood bitterness. The palate is medium sweet and rounded, the Nero d'Avola fruit holding against the bitter and spiced botanicals, closing dry and savoury. Serve chilled over ice with an orange twist as an aperitif, or at cellar temperature alongside food. It also works through a meal with charcuterie, roast pork and aged Sicilian cheese.