Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Best 3 to 10 years from vintage.
vintage3 yrs10 yrs12 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong, Earthy finish

Aroma: dried cherry, spice, clay, dried rose

Palate: tart red fruit, tannic grip, earth, iron

Nero d'Avola fermented and aged in terracotta amphorae without oak: the clay vessel imparts earthy minerality and textural grip unique among Sicilian reds.

What it pairs with

  • Lamb scottadito with wild herbs
    Firm tannins cut through lamb fat; earthy minerality mirrors the herb crust.
  • Aged pecorino siciliano
    The wine's tannic structure and salinity complement the sheep's-milk intensity.
  • Grilled eggplant with tomato and basil
    Earthy red fruit bridges the smoky aubergine and fresh tomato.

How to serve COS Pithos Rosso

Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
  2. Serve at 10-12°C. Cellar temperature (10-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Lamb scottadito with wild herbs, Aged pecorino siciliano, Grilled eggplant with tomato and basil. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

COS introduced amphora fermentation around 2000, drawing on ancient Sicilian and Mediterranean vinification traditions. The Pithos Rosso from Nero d'Avola has been widely cited as a reference Italian amphora wine in the natural-wine trade press.

  1. 2000: First Pithos Rosso vinified in terracotta amphorae

Facts

Producer
COS Pithos · visiting guide
Grapes
Nero d'Avola (100%)
Classification
IGP Terre Siciliane
Oak
Fermented and aged in terracotta amphorae (pithos), no oak
ABV
13.5%
Price
EUR 26-36 at retail
Drinking window
3-10 from vintage
First vintage
2000
Biodynamic
Biodynamic Practicing
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED

Frequently asked about COS Pithos Rosso

What does COS Pithos Rosso taste like?

On the nose, dried cherry, spice, clay, dried rose. On the palate, tart red fruit, tannic grip, earth, iron. Structurally medium-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long, earthy finish. Nero d'Avola fermented and aged in terracotta amphorae without oak: the clay vessel imparts earthy minerality and textural grip unique among Sicilian reds.

When should I drink COS Pithos Rosso?

Drink 3-10 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with COS Pithos Rosso?

Lamb scottadito with wild herbs is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Aged pecorino siciliano and Grilled eggplant with tomato and basil. Firm tannins cut through lamb fat; earthy minerality mirrors the herb crust.

What grapes are in COS Pithos Rosso?

The blend is Nero d'Avola (100%). The wine is classified as IGP Terre Siciliane.

Tags

Taste it where it is made: tours and tastings in Sicily

Vineyard Walk and Food Tasting

Guided tour4 hours5.0 from 5 reviewsfrom €70

In this experience, you can immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of Tenute Baglio Passofondo, an oasis of peace just a few kilometers from Trapani and Palermo.

See all 2012 bookable experiences in Sicily

← Back to wines in Sicily