Cos – Vittoria

The basement

The winery follows the principles of biodynamic viticulture to help the vineyard find and maintain balance in harmony with nature, allowing the wine to express the depth of its soil’s character. It began using terracotta containers, a material that does not impart any aromatic characteristics. The first amphorae arrived from Spain in September 2000. This is when Pithos was born, a Cerasuolo di Vittoria, fermented and aged entirely in amphorae.

The 2007 harvest inaugurated the new winery and marked a significant chapter in the history of this estate. The small wooden barrels will be definitively replaced by 150 amphorae. Pithos bianco, made from Grecanico grapes, is also produced.

The “Cerasuolo di Vittoria”

Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a red wine produced in a wide area of the province of Ragusa and parts of the provinces of Caltanissetta and Catania. This region has a very ancient winemaking tradition, as evidenced by numerous documents dating back to the 3rd century BC.

However, the birth of Cerasuolo di Vittoria in its current form is much more recent: it coincides with the founding of the city of Vittoria in 1607. The founder of the city granted one hectare of land to each settler on the condition that they cultivate another hectare as a vineyard. The Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC) was granted in 1974 and was upgraded to Guaranteed (DOCG) status in 2005, making it unique in Sicily.

The tour 

Visit of the cellars and tasting of three wines produced by the winery, including one DOCG and a Cerasuolo di Vittoria that has been entirely fermented and aged in amphorae. You will explore the cellars and the evocative amphora room, featuring dozens of terracotta jars buried in the floor.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2010 – Wine Spectator 92 Points
Contrada 2007 – Wine Spectator 94 Points
Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2009 – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 92 Points