Azienda Agricola COS
Founding & Background
Azienda Agricola COS was established in 1980 by three friends — Giambattista Cilia, Cirino Strano and Giusto Occhipinti — whose surnames form the acronym “COS”. At the time they were among the youngest wine-producers in Italy. Their aim was to revive the winemaking traditions of their native territory around Vittoria and to craft wines of character rooted in place.
Viticulture & Vineyard Philosophy
The estate operates according to biodynamic principles — working the vineyards holistically, viewing soil, vine and ecosystem as an interconnected system. Their vineyards are dry-farmed, planted on calcareous-siliceous, clayey and tuffaceous soils in south-eastern Sicily, at moderate elevation. Yields are managed strictly and interventions in the vineyard are minimal, in order to allow the vines and terroir to express themselves fully.
Winery & Cellar Techniques
From early on COS have experimented with ancient and neutral vessels — notably terracotta amphorae — as well as limited use of wood and no filtration, in order to avoid imparting external flavour and instead preserve purity of fruit and sense of place. In 2000 they introduced their “Pithos” line, wines fermented and matured entirely in amphorae. The winery continually emphasises native yeasts, gentle handling, and minimal sulphur additions.
Wine Style & Identity
COS produces wines very much in the terroir-driven mold: expressive, mineral, finely textured and reflective of their Sicilian origins rather than international styling. Among their core wines is the DOCG Cerasuolo di Vittoria (blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato), while their more experimental offerings such as Pithos Rosso and Pithos Bianco demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation within tradition. Their whites, reds and rosés consistently emphasise clarity, authenticity and balance rather than overt extraction or manipulation.
Philosophy
COS believe that quality begins in the vineyard and that respect for nature is paramount. Their commitment to biodynamics, low-intervention cellar work and preservation of traditional techniques embodies a vision of winemaking grounded in place, heritage and time. Their contribution has been significant in elevating the reputation of the Vittoria region and showing what Sicilian terroir is capable of.