The 2011 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico is 60-40 Nero d’Avola and Frappato, aged 12 months in oak. The quality of the fruit is very dried, to the point of being a fault. Sun-dried cherries, raspberry roll-up candy and creme de cassis emerge in unison. The wine shows moderate depth and layering. A pretty dose of acidity helps to render more vibrancy to the mouthfeel. Drink 2014-2019. Over the many years I have tasted the wines of COS, I don’t remember a lineup with as many stunning, standout wines as what is available now. COS was founded in 1980 by three friends whose last name initials spell out C-O-S: Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti and Cirino Strano. Giusto is the face of the winery today. From the start, COS sparked a revolution on two fronts. First, the quality of the wines produced lent untold credibility to the Cerasuolo di Vittoria appellation in southern Sicily and to the Frappato grape. Today, it is one of the island’s most promising territories. Second, COS was among the first to bring biodynamic and so-called “natural” winemaking to southern Italy. Those efforts proved – most certainly in my mind – that Sicily is the most suited area for these winemaking philosophies thanks to the island’s near-ideal growing conditions and weather. It’s no surprise that Sicily’s poster girl for natural wines is Giusto’s niece, the super dynamic and simpatica Arianna Occhipinti. Giusto’s vision has already inspired a legacy. Importer: Domaine Select Imports, www.domaineselect.com

Subtle, savory base notes of herb and fresh porcino underscore flavors of creamed cherry, damson plum and black licorice drop in this harmonious red that layers supple tannins and light acidity. Spiced finish. Drink now through 2019. 1,000 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / South / Sicily / Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Select to Add