Heidrun Shasta Starthistle Blossom Mead

Commercial Description:
Yellow Starthistle may be the bane of ranchers and farmers in the Mount Shasta foothills, but nectar from this invasive plant makes a flavorful and vibrantly iridescent honey that begs to be fermented into mead. Easier said than done. The same unique honey proteins that give this mead varietal its remarkably smooth creaminess also make for a frustratingly labor-intensive production process. As the starthistle plant is to the rancher, so to is its honey to the meadmaker: obstinate and incorrigible. That being said, what this mead has is likely the most deliciously creamy, meringue-like texture of any sparkling wine we've ever encountered. Those dastardly proteins do have value after all; they contribute remarkable mouthfeel to a mead already blessed with fruity, honey-candy flavors, delicate sweetness and a lovely smooth clean finish. All said and done, it was well worth the effort. Food Pairing: Fresh strawberries!