M'tucci's Bianco
/When M’tucci’s partners were searching for a white wine, they wanted one that was a bit different from the more common Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinto Grigio. They found Verdelho being grown in Contra Costa County in California. An old world grape that originated in Portugal, the California version is different from the traditional sweet wine that is used for fortified Madeira wine in Portugal.
Contra Costa County is due east of San Francisco and is known for the quality of their grapes, primarily because of the deep, sandy soil which encourages deep root systems. The hot days are cooled by breezes from San Francisco Bay during the night producing fruit that is small, but that has concentrated flavors.
Spring in the vineyard.
Verdelho is one of the most widely planted grapes on the island of Madeira, which sits in the North Atlantic Ocean west of Morocco. An autonomous region of Portugal, the island has a sub-tropical climate with hilly and rocky soil. While the grape is the main grape in the sweet, fortified dessert wine of Portugal, the flavor profile of the Australian and Californian Verdelho are significantly different. The Australian grape produces wine that is very similar to the Sauvignon Blancs of New Zealand: tangy with tropical fruit, lime and grapefruit flavors.
M’tucci’s 2019 Bianco 100% Verdelho from Contra Costa County has flavors of peach, green apple and honeydew.
Tasting notes from John Haas and Amanda Romero: “Thanks to balanced acidity, this will pair really well with almost the whole spectrum of white wine pairings. Most people will consider this to be similar to Sauvignon Blanc.”
M’tucci’s Wine Nights
You can take advantage of 1/2 price M’tucci’s wine nights at all M’tucci’s locations. M’tucci’s Bianco, Rosso and Dolcetto are available for only $16 a bottle Monday at M’tucci’s Twenty-Five, Tuesday at M’tucci’s Italian and Wednesday at M’tucci’s Moderno. We plan to host a special dinner paired with M’tucci’s wine soon. Stay tuned.
Lot’s of new things going on at all M’tucci’s, plus our usual impressive lineup of weekend specials. First feast your eyes on a few special drinks, new menus at M’tucci’s Moderno.
How do we make it smokey??
We are busy booking weekend wedding receptions for the Spring. Call soon so you don’t miss an opportunity for a fantastic reception in your backyard or at any Albuquerque or Santa Fe venue. Let Taña, M’tucci’s Catering Manager tell you why we should be your choice.
Weekend Specials
M’tucci’s Italian
12 oz Hand Cut Herb-Rubbed NY Strip - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Balsamic Reduction $32
Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Artichokes, Sautéed Arugula, Lemon Caper Sauce $29
Pesto Ricotta Ravioli - Pink Shrimp, Caramelized Onion, Haricot Vert, Roasted Butternut Squash, Lemon Cream Sauce $23
Sunday Only: Half Rack of Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Salt Water Potatoes, House Made Cole Slaw and House BBQ Sauce for $18
M’tucci’s Moderno
24 oz Hand Cut T-Bone: Crispy Saltwater Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Salsa Verde $33
Beef Short Ribs - Mascarpone Cream Polenta, Sautéed Spinach, Braising Sauce $24
Pan-Seared California Halibut - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Roasted Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce, Prosciutto Powder $24
M’tucci’s Twenty-Five
Special Apple Brandy Sour for the weekend
7 oz Harris Ranch Hanger Steak - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Smoked Blackberry Bone Marrow Butter $21
6 oz. Pan-Seared Icelandic Cod - Fried Yukon Gold Potatoes, Grilled Escarole, Seared Artichoke Hearts, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $22
Gelato: Fresh Mint Stracciatella
Sorbetto: Pineapple-Lime
Parting Shot
The pickers celebrate after the 2020 Harvest was completed. The 2020 M’tucci’s wines will arrive in the fall.
Thanks for reading. See you next Friday, Ciao!
