In the glass
Aroma: black cherry, licorice, dried fig, tobacco
Palate: dark plum, warm spice, silky tannin, earthy depth
COS's varietal Nero d'Avola reveals the grape at its richest: dark fruit, licorice and tobacco with supple biodynamic-farmed tannins and a persistent warm finish.
What it pairs with
-
Braised beef with tomato and olives
Full-bodied dark fruit matches the richness of slow-braised beef ragu. -
Aged caciocavallo cheese
Licorice and tobacco notes find harmony with the sharp aged cheese character. -
Pasta alla Norma
The wine's dark fruit and earthy depth complement aubergine and tomato sauce.
How to serve COS Nero di Lupo
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Braised beef with tomato and olives, Aged caciocavallo cheese, Pasta alla Norma. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
COS produces Nero di Lupo as their entry into varietal Nero d'Avola, allowing the grape's natural warmth and dark-fruit intensity to shine without amphora influence. It demonstrates that biodynamic farming yields supple rather than heavy wines even from this full-ripening variety.
- 2004 — First vintage of Nero di Lupo varietal Nero d'Avola
Facts
- Producer
- COS
- Grapes
- Nero d'Avola (100%)
- Classification
- Sicilia DOC
- Oak
- Aged in large Slavonian oak casks, 10-12 months
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 20-28 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-10 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2004
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Frequently asked about COS Nero di Lupo
What does COS Nero di Lupo taste like?
On the nose, black cherry, licorice, dried fig, tobacco. On the palate, dark plum, warm spice, silky tannin, earthy depth. Structurally full-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a warm, persistent finish. COS's varietal Nero d'Avola reveals the grape at its richest: dark fruit, licorice and tobacco with supple biodynamic-farmed tannins and a persistent warm finish.
When should I drink COS Nero di Lupo?
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 Nero di Lupo?
Braised beef with tomato and olives is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Aged caciocavallo cheese and Pasta alla Norma. Full-bodied dark fruit matches the richness of slow-braised beef ragu.
What grapes are in COS Nero di Lupo?
The blend is Nero d'Avola (100%). The wine is classified as Sicilia DOC.