COS 'Terre Siciliane' Frappato 2024

Winemaking

COS is a pioneering biodynamic estate in southeastern Sicily, founded on the principle that wine should reflect the specificity of place rather than follow conventional winemaking trends. The team approaches each vintage with restraint and respect for the fruit, employing minimal intervention in the cellar to let the terroir speak clearly. Their commitment to biodynamic viticulture—treating the vineyard as a living ecosystem—shapes everything from soil health to the mineral precision you'll find in the glass.

Tasting Notes

This vibrant Frappato opens with inviting aromas of bright red cherry and wild strawberry, layered with subtle herbal and mineral notes that hint at the wine's saline character. On the palate, it's elegantly restrained with silky tannins and a refreshing citrus-driven acidity that carries flavors of red berries and white pepper. The finish is clean and lingering, marked by that distinctive saline minerality that's become a hallmark of COS's approach—a quality that makes this wine feel alive and energetic rather than heavy or extracted.

Producer

COS operates as a small, quality-focused estate in the Terre Siciliane region, where they have pioneered biodynamic farming in an area not traditionally known for such practices. The vineyard work is meticulous and labor-intensive, driven by a philosophy that healthier soil and vines produce more expressive, nuanced wines. Their minimal-intervention approach in the winery—natural fermentations, no added sulfites—allows the unique mineral character of their sites to emerge without winemaking technique obscuring the message.

Terroir

Terre Siciliane, in southeastern Sicily, is characterized by warm days, cool coastal breezes, and limestone-rich soils that impart a distinctive salinity to the wines. The region's volcanic heritage and proximity to the Mediterranean create a climate that encourages freshness and acidity even in a warm vintage—ideal conditions for a varietal like Frappato, which naturally favors elegance over power. This particular corner of Sicily benefits from diurnal temperature shifts that preserve the wine's aromatic delicacy and textural refinement.

Food Pairings

Try this wine alongside a simple preparation of grilled swordfish with lemon and olive oil, where its citrus acidity and minerality will complement the fish's richness without overwhelming it. It's equally at home with charcuterie and fresh cheese—think prosciutto and burrata with herbs—making it an excellent aperitif wine for warm-weather entertaining. For a more composed dish, consider pan-seared duck breast with a light cherry gastrique; the wine's silky tannins and red fruit notes will dance beautifully with the duck's richness without demanding a heavier, more extracted style.