Cerasuolo di Vittoria Delle Fontane 2018 (COS)

Cellar for up to 9 years. Decant for 2 hours before serving. One of Italy’s top biodynamic producers, the COS estate was founded in 1980 by three pioneering young winemakers, Giambattista Cilia, Cirino Strano and Giusto Occhipinti. The trio felt inspired to return to their families’ roots here in south-eastern Sicily and start making wines in a way that was in harmony with nature. Their work over the past four decades has transformed the Cerasuolo di Vittoria appellation, helping it to be the first Sicilian wine to achieve the prestigious DOCG status in 2005. This thoroughly modern expression of the appellation is made with 40% Frappato and 60% Nero d’Avola which are harvested slightly late. The wine is then fermented using indigenous yeasts in large terracotta amphorae known as "giare". Following the fermentation process it is aged in large wooden barrels and cement tanks for at least two years after the harvest. This helps to craft a finely balanced red blend that exudes aromas of violets, dark berries, rose and black pepper. On the palate the texture is soft and smooth with fine tannins and intense black fruit flavours which linger on the tongue.