COS was started in 1980 and is so called due to the initials of the surnames of the 3 founders - Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti and Pinuccia Strano. The estate is based in the town of Vittoria in the Ragusa province of south east Sicily and was originally begun on a shoestring budget. Today, however, COS produces some of the finest wines on the island from native grape varieties such as Frappato, Nera d'Avola, Grecanico and Inzolia. Syre is entirely Nero d'Avola from 35 year-old vines and spends up to 36 months in oak barrels and a further 6 months in bottle before release. Full-bodied and rich, this is a stunning example of the Nero d'Avola grape. Superb!

A vivid purple-red in the glass. On the nose, scents of cassis, bitter chocolate and violets. Mouthfilling and meaty on the palate with solid tannins and a mineral texture. Look for further black fruit flavours and a touch of sweet spices. The finish is rich and lingering. Drink with chicken cacciatore (a casserole of chicken, garlic, potatoes and peppers topped with fennel seeds and grated parmigiano cheese), rabbit agridolce in a sweet and sour sauce or a traditional Sicilian lamb stew with aubergine, potatoes, tomatoes and wild mushrooms.