This wine emanates from the home estate of Italy's talented oenologist, Riccardo Cotarella. No one makes better Merlot (not even France's Michel Rolland) in Italy than Riccardo Cotarella. Falesco's 1998 Vitiano contains equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese. Bottled without filtration, it is one of the greatest dry red wine bargains in the world. The 1998 is no exception. It boast an opaque purple color, and intense black cherry aromas intertwined with mocha and spice. Over 12,000 cases were produced, which ensures moderate availability. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620