Lindisfarne Mead

A bit more of an effort Selfridges wine department stocks one variety of Mead, Lindisfarne. John Lewis doesn’t have anything, which again is probably a reflection of Waitrose failing on the Mead front which still surprises me.

Selfridges is a darn site more expensive at £10.99 for a 70cl bottle at 14.5% alcohol. Dull screw top lid, and a much lighter coloured liquid. I wonder why there is an absence of corks, is this a recent phenomenon or does Mead react badly to corks?

From what I understand the cork growers of Spain face economic extinction as wine producers move over the plastic caps and screw tops, which strikes me as odd.

Cork seem entirely fit for purpose and support a localised industry that’s good for people and the planet. It’s not dependant on the Petrochemical industry, and the challenge of avoiding corked wines adds to the ambiance. Plastic must have an effect on the flavour, and undoubtedly contains trace chemical excitement, Phthalates and the like.

A relevant piece in the Independent cites Dom Perignon spotting corks in the water containers carried by 17th century itinerant monks. Naturally it takes someone wealthy, famous and male to discover ‘corks’ unlike the folk who’ve been using them for years.

And to the Mead, a much lighter taste than Harvest Gold. Not so sweet or viscous, but with more of an alcohol taste, a bit of a tang like cheap white wine.

Quite how much of this is my perception, it’s listed as stronger, and the effect of reading various criticisms of Lindisfarne on the Mead forums. Ha that there is such a thing, reassures me I'm not alone in this obsession.

Still very pleasant to drink, and the lightness makes it an entertaining alternative to Harvest Mead. But at three times the price, probably not, even if cheaper at source on Holy Isle.