MURI × ESSE: The Middle

by MURI

Still Red<0.5% ABV

Also known as: The Middle, MURI x ESSE: The Middle, Pairing 2, Pairing #2

Composition & Vinification

According to MURI's website, MURI × ESSE: The Middle contains water, tomato, koji, lovage, rice, vinegar, mussels, kombu, butter, kefir culture, and salt, with declared allergens of celery, seafood, and dairy. The blend is built around ice-clarified tomato water, dried smoked mussels drawn from ESSE's dashi stock, koji amazake, a browned butter and kombu fat wash, and a lovage kefir.[1],[2]

Lovage Kefir — Herbaceous Lift. A vibrant lovage kefir contributes a herbaceous, aromatic dimension. Lovage is the source of the drink's celery allergen declaration.[1]

Tasting Profile

Palate. MURI describes the blend as profoundly savory, smoky, saline, and unapologetically complex, with a long umami-driven finish. MURI positions the drink as having the structure to stand alongside dishes normally reserved for tannic wines.[1],[3]

Structure. [1]

  • Complexity: Described by MURI as unapologetically complex
  • Length: Long, umami-driven finish

Restaurant Relationships

ESSE

MichelinCopenhagen, Denmark

Service & pairing evidence

  • Pairing evidenceMURI's Pairing #2 is paired with the main course at ESSE restaurant in Copenhagen.source

Collaboration evidence

  • CollaborationMURI collaborated with ESSE's Beverage Director Eva Baumgartner on pairing tips for Pairing #2.source