Cerasuolo di Vittoria is Sicily’s only DOCG, a designation that highlights not just quality but a very specific sense of place in the southeastern corner of the island around Vittoria. Unlike many Sicilian reds that lean toward power and ripeness, this appellation is defined by balance and freshness, blending Nero d’Avola for structure and depth with Frappato for lift, aromatics, and bright red fruit. The result is a style that feels distinctly Mediterranean yet surprisingly elegant—medium-bodied, vibrant, and food-friendly, often compared more to refined reds from central Italy than to heavier southern wines. The warm climate, cooling coastal influences, and distinctive red, limestone-rich soils give these wines both ripeness and tension.
The COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2020 is a benchmark expression of the DOCG and a reference point for modern Sicilian wine. COS helped revive interest in the appellation by farming organically and emphasizing minimal-intervention winemaking to let the vineyard speak. The 2020 shows the classic harmony of the blend: juicy cherry and wild strawberry from Frappato, darker fruit and subtle spice from Nero d’Avola, all carried by lively acidity and fine, silky tannins. It’s a wine that feels both authentic and effortless—serious enough for wine lovers, yet approachable and versatile at the table, perfectly capturing what makes Cerasuolo di Vittoria unique within Sicily and Italy as a whole.
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