Muri Fade to Black
MURI Fade to Black is a gently sparkling, non-alcoholic red blend made in Copenhagen from fermented black and red currants, chamomile kefir, fig leaf, and pine-infused caramel malt kvass. Dark forest fruit leads, followed by lively acidity, light tannins, earthy malt, herbs, and a subtle resinous note from pine that gives it remarkable depth and structure. Juicy and tart with savory undertones and a dry finish, it has some of the easy freshness of a chilled sparkling red while remaining distinctly its own thing. MURI builds its drinks through fermentation rather than dealcoholization, creating complexity from the ingredients themselves, and Fade to Black is a beautiful example of how sophisticated that approach can be.
Why We Love It
Fade to Black shows what can happen when a producer stops trying to recreate wine and starts thinking about what makes wine compelling in the first place: acidity, tannin, texture, complexity, and the ability to work with food. There's enough depth here to linger over a glass, but the bubbles and bright acidity keep it fresh. This is an especially good bottle for someone who misses an interesting red at the dinner table but isn't necessarily looking for something that tastes exactly like one.
Especially good with: steak tartare with capers and shallots, grilled lamb with rosemary, wild mushroom risotto, charred beets with goat cheese and walnuts, aged cheddar, or a beautiful charcuterie board.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Dark forest fruit — black and red currant lead, with earthy malt, a hint of fig leaf, and a subtle resinous pine note underneath.
Palate: Juicy and tart, with lively acidity and light tannins giving it real structure. Chamomile kefir adds a gentle herbal creaminess through the mid-palate, while the pine-infused caramel malt kvass brings earthy depth and a savory, slightly resinous complexity that sets it apart from any conventional wine alternative.
Finish: Dry and lingering, with dark fruit, malt, and a clean pine resin fade. More complexity and length than most non-alcoholic red alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MURI Fade to Black non-alcoholic?
Yes. MURI Fade to Black is a fully non-alcoholic sparkling beverage — it contains no alcohol and is built through fermentation of non-alcoholic ingredients rather than dealcoholization.
What is MURI Fade to Black made from?
It's made from fermented black and red currants, chamomile kefir, fig leaf, and pine-infused caramel malt kvass. MURI builds complexity through fermentation of the ingredients themselves rather than removing alcohol from wine, which gives Fade to Black its distinctive depth and structure.
What is kvass and why does MURI use it?
Kvass is a traditional fermented beverage made from malt or bread, common in Eastern European and Scandinavian traditions. MURI uses a pine-infused caramel malt kvass to add earthy depth, malt character, and a subtle resinous complexity that contributes to Fade to Black's wine-like structure without any alcohol.
What does MURI Fade to Black taste like?
Dark forest fruit (black and red currant) up front, with lively acidity, light tannins, earthy malt, chamomile, and a subtle pine resin note. Juicy and tart with savory undertones and a dry finish — it has the structure and complexity of an interesting red without trying to imitate one directly.
Is MURI Fade to Black a good red wine alternative?
Yes — it's one of the most sophisticated non-alcoholic red alternatives we carry. It's not trying to taste exactly like red wine; instead it delivers the things that make red wine compelling at the table — acidity, tannin, texture, dark fruit, and food-pairing versatility — through its own fermentation-based approach.
Is MURI Fade to Black good for natural wine drinkers?
Yes — it's a strong recommendation for natural wine enthusiasts. MURI's fermentation-based approach, use of live cultures (chamomile kefir), and focus on complexity over imitation align closely with what natural wine drinkers tend to value.
Does Cheeky & Dry ship MURI Fade to Black nationwide?
Yes — we ship across the US. Non-alcoholic sparkling beverages ship without the restrictions that apply to alcoholic beverages.
How should I serve and store MURI Fade to Black?
Serve well chilled in a red wine glass — the slight chill keeps the acidity lively and the bubbles fresh. Store unopened in a cool, dark place; once opened, refrigerate and consume within 1–2 days for best carbonation and flavor.
