Mead, The Irish Wine
Mead, The Irish Wine
Traditionally, when people speak of Irish Wine, they are referring to a unique drink made from white wine, honey, and herbs called Meade. This wine was said to have been first made in secret by Irish Monks. Its origins, however are lost in pre-history with the earliest archeological evidence dating back to 7000 BC.
Mead is best known as the ancient drink of Ireland, where it was relished by the High Kings of Tara, and ever after down through medieval times, to today. Mead is considered a creative alternative to more traditional wines and compliments all meals. One excellent label of mead in Ireland today is an Irish honey wine made in Bunratty. A version of Bunratty Mead, labeled "Bunratty Meade," is imported in the United States. It is a white wine with honey and herbs added. Though very good, it is not quite the same as the Bunratty Mead served in its home town in Ireland. Traditional Irish Mead can be sampled during the famous Bunratty Medieval Banquets.
For all things Irish, Old World, and New Age, mead (or meade) is a cutting-edge honey wine to serve at parties, holidays, and informal gatherings. Actually, mead has been an "in" drink for a very long time, as in over 2000 years. There are many artful ways to serve mead.
In Ireland, a traditional way to serve mead is hot, in earthen mugs. This hearkens back to the belief in its serving in the old times, at medieval tables to banish the damp and chill of a rainy climate. There are several ways hot mead can be served, similar to hot cider. As a light wine, mead is good served cold. Simply chill and pour straight glasses of the chilled wine from the bottle to serve with main courses. For a truly Irish Experience: stop into the Galway Crystal Factory to purchase Dolmen Goblets. The distinctive Celtic pattern created in the Waterford Dolmen collection has been at the heart of Irish artistry for centuries. For those captivated by the romance and mythology of Ireland, Waterford Dolmen is the link to Waterford’s Celtic past.