D3

CRAIG PINHEY
GOOD DRINK

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It is Halloween, and a bit scary that November is almost upon us. It feels like the wine year just got started, but here comes the Wine Expo, Nov. 1-8 in Moncton. This is one of the biggest wine and food events in Atlantic Canada, and it's a must-do for New Brunswick wine enthusiasts.

All of the events are listed at www.wineexpo.ca; I'll focus instead on some of the 350 wines at the show (the full list can be downloaded at www.anbl.com).

Going alphabetically, you can't go wrong with Argentina. My favourite whites from there are made from the tropical and floral Torrontes grape, and there are three to try (Urban Uco $9.79, Vida Salvaje $12.29, and Don David $16.49), plus a Trivento Viognier ($10.79), another aromatic grape.

There are 28 Argentinian reds. I'm excited about the new Las Moras listings in the more premium "Black Label" range: Shiraz and Malbec (both $19.79), and Gran Shiraz $26.29. The La Mascota Cabernet from Santa Ana is another good new red I tried in Argentina. I also like their value organic wine, Casa de Campo Eco Malbec, for $12.49. Lovers of premium Malbec will want to try the Catena Alta ($58.79).

In the Aussie section you'll find some interesting aromatic whites, like D'Arenberg's The Stump Jump blend ($16.79), Jacob's Creek Riesling ($13.99), and Angoves Viognier ($14.29). Cool reds from down under include a Katnook Estate Cab ($37.29), the new-to-me Barossa Shiraz Massena Epsilon ($29.99), and I'm curious about the Yellow Tail Limited Edition Shiraz. Is it really worth $48.29?

New from Ontario is Henry of Pelham Gamay ($16.49), a grape that does well in that climate. We're also getting the Hillebrand Artist Series, good value at $14.29 for Chardonnay, Gewurz and Cabernet.

There are few new ones from Chile, including Santa Rita Medalla Real Chardonnay ($22.99), a partner to the impressive Medalla Real Cabernet $24.99. There's also a real oddball: a blend of Carmenere and Carignan from Terra Andina Altos ($24.29). I also plan to try Pangea Syrah from Ventisquero to see if it is worth the hype - and $51.78. It has a dash of five per cent Cabernet Sauvignon. Also try also their Vertice (Carmenere/Syrah), a better value at $19.79.

France has a pretty big showing at the Expo, and I'm especially keen to try long-time stalwart Château Gourgazaud's premium red, Quintus ($35.78). There's also a selection of whites from Château Fuissé (as in Pouilly-Fuissé) ranging from $45-$60, and some interesting new Alsace whites from Ribeauville that I've never tried. There are also a few red Burgundies and Bordeaux to try, too.

Another category I'm thirsty for is Germany, and there are some nifty Rieslings, including two from the renowned St. Urbans-Hof from Mosel: Ockfener Bockstein ($24.29) and basic Riesling ($18.29).

Italy is always interesting, and this year there are some new faces. The Farnese Edizione ($43.78) will be the first premium wine I've tried from this good-value producer. Try any Barolo and Barbaresco that you can, and I see there's a rare Gattinara (made from the same grape, Nebbiolo) from Travaglini ($36.48). In the whites there's a new Gavi, Michele Chiarlo ($24.78), that is worth trying, and a Frascati from San Marco ($51.49) that I'll check out. There's a Pio Cesare Moscato D'Asti ($29.29) that should showcase this aromatic grape.

I was hoping for a selection of New Zealand Pinot Noirs from various appellations, but the only one I'll seek out is Nautilus ($42.99).

Since I just got back from South Africa, my expectations are high for new listings, too high. I do see a new Chenin Blanc from Laroche ($17.79), and the Graham Beck Viognier ($21.79), worth a sip.

Spain is always good for a visit, and the selection is better than ever. I'm looking forward to trying the Marques de Caceres Crianza ($22.49) versus their more premium Gaudium ($84.79). Torres Mas La Plana ($45.99) is due for a visit, too.

Craig Pinhey is a writer and sommelier, available for private tastings. Visit him at www.frogspad.ca.