Cornacchia's 1993 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vigna le Coste (500 cases available) reveals an opaque black/purple color, and a jammy, intense nose of licorice, cassis, and spice that is reminiscent of a top cuvee of Hermitage. The wine coats the palate with a viscous assemblage of juicy, succulent black fruits, wood, and a creamy texture that borders on being unctuous. This is a huge, superbly made wine with enough acidity for uplift, and enough tannin for structure. For the moment, the wines of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo may be the best bargains of the wine world. (Italy's lira is in even worse shape than America's dollar.) The three wines from Cornacchia reviewed in this issue offer convincing evidence that this is the place to be - whether you are a consumer, retailer, wholesaler, or Italian wine importer. If you have not already discovered the joys offered by the wines from this unheralded region of Italy, check out these three dazzling offerings from Cornacchia. Importer: Ideal Wines and Spirits, Medford, MA; tel. (617) 395-3300