Meet Giusto Occhipinti, Giambattista Cilia, and Cirino Strano

Giusto Occhipinti, Giambattista Cilia, and Cirino Strano are the founders and winemakers behind COS, a pioneering estate in Vittoria, Sicily, widely recognized for its role in shaping Italy’s natural wine movement. Since establishing the winery in the 1980s, they have been at the forefront of biodynamic and low intervention winemaking, producing wines that are pure, expressive, and deeply connected to their origin. Working on red sands over limestone soils in southeastern Sicily, their vineyards benefit from a warm Mediterranean climate moderated by sea breezes, allowing for balanced ripening and the preservation of freshness. Their vineyard philosophy is rooted in organic and biodynamic principles, focusing on biodiversity, living soils, and minimal intervention to enhance terroir expression. Specializing in indigenous varietals such as Nero d’Avola, Frappato, and Grecanico, the COS team crafts wines that are elegant, vibrant, and distinctive. They are particularly known for their use of amphora (anfore) for fermentation and aging, a traditional method that enhances texture, purity, and aromatic complexity. In the cellar, their approach remains deliberately minimal, with native yeast fermentations, gentle extraction, and very limited sulphur use. The result is a range of wines that are textured, energetic, and highly expressive, offering a unique interpretation of Sicilian terroir. At Origine, we feature Giusto Occhipinti, Giambattista Cilia, and Cirino Strano as part of our premium Italian selection, highlighting winemakers who combine innovation, tradition, and authenticity. Their wines reflect the identity of Sicily vibrant, mineral, and deeply representative of their land.