2007 Cos Pithos

From Azienda Agricola Cos in southeastern Sicily's Bastonaca. A 40/60 blend of Frappato di Vittoria and Nero d'Avola, the grapes spend 7 months in terracotta amphorae, macerating and fermenting, before transfer into barrels for the "black one" and steel for the Frappato. The shortish squat bottle is strangely appealing. This wine is ready to go, all unsweetened strawberry preserves, mineral and cream. Sweet and ripe, but nowhere near jammy, soft and smooth, yet fresh and refreshing. The acidity lends itself more to sourness than brightness, but is just lively enough to make this thoroughly enjoyable. I say this is ready to go b/c the day 2 character was a little less appealing, at least on the nose, which became rather tired, musty, and even a bit sweaty. It was odd. The palate picked up a bit of acidity though, and some citrus pithiness, making this still very enjoyable once the nose settled. Quite possibly, the mood swings here are related to the low sulfite levels, so, pop, pour, and be prepared to finish.