Azienda Agricola COS
Pithos Rosso Vittoria Nero d'Avola Frappato
Vittoria, Sicily, Italy
A bit volatile initially but settled into a nice lifted cherry / grounded baked earth classic Sicilian vibe. This is OG and never disappoints (that bottle shape though…)
A bit volatile initially but settled into a nice lifted cherry / grounded baked earth classic Sicilian vibe. This is OG and never disappoints (that bottle shape though…)
Mar 17th, 2023
Funky and lively. I think I like this one more than the non-amphora version but I love both.
Funky and lively. I think I like this one more than the non-amphora version but I love both.
Dec 10th, 2018
Owner/Wine Director Spuyten Duyvil, Fette Sau, St. Anselm & Gotham Artisanal Provisions
Bretty but not too bad
Bretty but not too bad
Apr 5th, 2018
60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Frappato. COS has been Biodynamic for some time. Amphora Wine with 8 months of skin contact giving a slight pong. Pretty funky nose of burnt sugar and mineral. Assertive tannins and acid but will the fruit still be there with cellaring? The skin treatment accelerates the ageing. Finishes Dry Earthy and Savoury. Would be a shock to most palates honed on New World Wine.
60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Frappato. COS has been Biodynamic for some time. Amphora Wine with 8 months of skin contact giving a slight pong. Pretty funky nose of burnt sugar and mineral. Assertive tannins and acid but will the fruit still be there with cellaring? The skin treatment accelerates the ageing. Finishes Dry Earthy and Savoury. Would be a shock to most palates honed on New World Wine.
Nov 1st, 2017Nero/Frappato blend made in amphora. Right away the translucent ruby red color and complex, exotic bouquet were extremely promising and this didn’t disappoint. Bursting with ripe cherry and raspberry, rose petals and savory spices in an earthy and herbal frame. Fresh and lifted and elegant, almost like a Mediterranean take on cru Beaujolais, or maybe Nebbiolo. Somehow it’s only 12% alcohol. There’s a dusty baked earth quality that could be from the amphorae (I have no idea what that actually imparts vs stainless steel) or just the warmth of the Sicilian sun. Either way this is absolutely beautiful and am going back to the store to buy several more to put away.
Nero/Frappato blend made in amphora. Right away the translucent ruby red color and complex, exotic bouquet were extremely promising and this didn’t disappoint. Bursting with ripe cherry and raspberry, rose petals and savory spices in an earthy and herbal frame. Fresh and lifted and elegant, almost like a Mediterranean take on cru Beaujolais, or maybe Nebbiolo. Somehow it’s only 12% alcohol. There’s a dusty baked earth quality that could be from the amphorae (I have no idea what that actually imparts vs stainless steel) or just the warmth of the Sicilian sun. Either way this is absolutely beautiful and am going back to the store to buy several more to put away.
1 person found it helpfulDec 26th, 2019
This is just an annoyingly good wine. This has so much going on and yet it is so gulpable. This wine is fermented on its skins with the native yeast in ancient amphorae, giving a beautiful dank, earthy, musky dried floral aromatic. Sour wild cherries, slight brown sugar, a touch of red licorice, and stunning high toned cranberry-like acidity. Nothing is lost here. It has earth and fruit mixing beautifully. This wine truly is the epitome of my favorite descriptor of wine: funky fresh. I think I’m in love with this Cos lineup.
This is just an annoyingly good wine. This has so much going on and yet it is so gulpable. This wine is fermented on its skins with the native yeast in ancient amphorae, giving a beautiful dank, earthy, musky dried floral aromatic. Sour wild cherries, slight brown sugar, a touch of red licorice, and stunning high toned cranberry-like acidity. Nothing is lost here. It has earth and fruit mixing beautifully. This wine truly is the epitome of my favorite descriptor of wine: funky fresh. I think I’m in love with this Cos lineup.
1 person found it helpfulJul 18th, 2018
Demand is high for these wines, prices are ratcheting in some markets, and grape sources may be expanding (this used to be a DOCG Cerasuolo). The amphorae aging brings interesting tertiary flavors and strips some vitality in the process, and when the grapes aren’t sufficiently concentrated, maybe too much is stripped.
Demand is high for these wines, prices are ratcheting in some markets, and grape sources may be expanding (this used to be a DOCG Cerasuolo). The amphorae aging brings interesting tertiary flavors and strips some vitality in the process, and when the grapes aren’t sufficiently concentrated, maybe too much is stripped.
1 person found it helpfulJan 17th, 2018
Structured acidity, but balanced; long in the mouth yet tart! Roses/flowers on the nose.
Structured acidity, but balanced; long in the mouth yet tart! Roses/flowers on the nose.
1 person found it helpfulJan 5th, 2017
Funky and full of brett. Aged in ancient amphora. Dank and brooding with musty overtones. Aromas of dried flowers and mushrooms. Sour cherry and cranberry flavors. Earthy, organic and really terrific.
Funky and full of brett. Aged in ancient amphora. Dank and brooding with musty overtones. Aromas of dried flowers and mushrooms. Sour cherry and cranberry flavors. Earthy, organic and really terrific.
Oct 19th, 2019