COS Zibibbo Pithos 2023

Country: Italy

Region: Sicily

Type: Orange Wine

Grape: Zibibbo (AKA Muscat of Alexandria)

Giusto Occhipinti of COS is a benchmark producer in the Vittoria appellation of Sicily, and certainly one of the most important, influential, producers in all of Sicily if not Italy as a whole. The winery was founded in 1980 by three friends, Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti, and Cirino Strano. The initials of their last names form the winery’s name. The winery is practicing organic and ferments in amphorae using natural, ambient yeast.

Grapes are sourced from organic vineyards in Marsala, Sicily, Southern Italy. Spontaneous fermentation for ten to fifteen days with indigenous yeast in amphorae. The wine then remained in contact with the skins for 7 months. Aged for seven months in amphorae plus two to three months in concrete tanks and finally three months in the bottle before release.

Very pale orange and low in alcohol, this wine is floral and perfumed with gorgeous tropical notes, salinity, low tannins, and a creamy orange peel texture.