COS 'Contrada' Nero d'Avola 2020

Winemaking

COS represents a return to natural winemaking principles in southeastern Sicily, where the estate eschews chemical inputs and relies on minimal intervention to let the volcanic terroir express itself. The winemakers here prioritize whole-bunch fermentation and extended aging to build complexity and structure into their Nero d'Avola, believing that the vineyard's character should lead the conversation, not be obscured by heavy-handed winemaking.

Tasting Notes

This Contrada Nero d'Avola opens with ripe dark cherry and plum, underscored by the subtle whisper of Mediterranean herbs and a flinty minerality that speaks to its volcanic origins. On the palate, the wine is beautifully balanced—elegant rather than powerful—with fine-grained tannins that frame flavors of blackberry, licorice, and white pepper without overwhelming the fruit. The acidity is bright and vital, driving the wine forward into a clean, persistent finish that lingers with a savory, slightly spicy note that keeps you reaching for another sip.

Producer

COS is a small, quality-focused estate in the Cerasuolo di Vittoria appellation, where volcanic soils and a commitment to organic farming have made it a leading voice in the region's natural wine movement. The winery has built its reputation on respecting the land and the grape, producing wines that reflect both the ancient volcanic landscape and the individuality of each vintage without relying on added sulfites or other corrective measures.

Terroir

Southeastern Sicily, specifically the Contrada vineyard site, sits on volcanic soils rich with minerals and complexity that give Nero d'Avola an unusual elegance. The Mediterranean climate here is tempered by altitude and sea breezes, allowing the grape to ripen fully while retaining the acidity and structure that prevent the wine from becoming hot or jammy—a balance that defines the best expressions of this historic region.

Food Pairings

Try this wine with pan-seared duck breast finished with a tart cherry reduction, where the wine's licorice and pepper notes will echo the richness of the meat. It's equally at home with a casual charcuterie board of aged salami and sheep's milk cheese, or alongside herb-braised lamb shanks with rosemary and thyme, where its mineral spine and acidity cut through the fat beautifully.