COS ‘Pithos’ Bianco, Terre Siciliane, Sicily, Italy 2023

Founded by friends Giusto Occhipinti, Giambattista Cilia, and Cirino Strano in 1980, COS is one of Sicily’s most influential natural wineries and a pioneer of amphora-fermented wines in Italy. Working biodynamically in Vittoria, they focus on purity, transparency, and the expressive potential of native Sicilian varieties. ‘Pithos’ Bianco is their flagship skin-contact white—an essential benchmark for amphora-aged Grecanico.

WINEMAKER: Giusto Occhipinti & Giambattista Cilia

FARMING: Certified Biodynamic; low- and no-sulfur vinification

VARIETY: 100% Grecanico

TERROIR: Sourced from the estate Fontane vineyard in Vittoria, planted on a mix of chalky limestone, clay, sandstone, and sedimentary clays. These well-drained soils and the warm Mediterranean climate create ideal conditions for Grecanico, giving the wine both ripeness and mineral tension.

VINIFICATION: Spontaneous fermentation lasting seven to ten days in amphorae on the skins with indigenous yeast. The 2023 remained in contact with the skins for five days and then remains in amphorae for an additional seven months.

AGING: Aged in amphorae for seven months followed by three months in the bottle before release.

TASTING NOTES: The 2023 ‘Pithos’ Bianco is vibrant and layered, offering notes of citrus peel, chamomile, dried herbs, and stone fruit. Subtle savory tones from skin contact mingle with saline minerality and fine tannic grip. The palate is textural yet lifted, finishing clean with fresh acidity and a gentle earthiness from its time in amphora.

FOOD PAIRINGS: Beautiful with Sicilian dishes, grilled vegetables, couscous with citrus, roasted chicken, Mediterranean seafood, or soft cheeses. Also excellent with herb-driven vegetarian fare.