Variety: Muscat of Alexandria (Zibbibo)

Giusto Occhipinti of COS is one of the most critical names in Italy. COS was founded by three friends to make traditional wine with respect for the place the grapes are grown. During their first harvest in 1980, they were the youngest wine producers in Italy. The acronym of their three last names forms “COS.” They were early adopters to Biodynamic farming, starting a movement on the island, which are still golden standards. The friends are hard workers, using an old winery given to them by a family friend and opting to use terracotta vases for ageing, a completely neutral vessel. Sicily has just one DOCG—Cerasuolo di Vittoria; the friends were the first winery to bottle a DOCG wine in Sicily. COS is located in Vittoria, the farthest tip of southeastern Sicily. The area recalls that of Africa, with its climate and land of red, ochre, and yellow tones.

What a unique wine, which is saying something in regards to the usual wines coming from COS. Zibbibo is the name for Muscat de Alexandria when grown in Sicily. While the variety does have potential as a sweet wine, this is vinified dry. The wine also sees skin contact for a whopping seven months while it ages in amphorae, or pithos, the Greek name for the same ageing vessel. Even for the richer, tannic style wine, the alcohol is only 11.5% and the acidity is completely in balance.