Mead and wine are both delicious fermented beverages, but they do have some key differences, particularly in terms of sweetness. Mead, which is made from honey, can vary in sweetness levels depending on the amount of honey used and the fermentation process. It can range from bone dry to very sweet, offering a wide range of flavor profiles to suit different preferences.
In my personal experience as a brewer and sommelier, I have encountered meads that are as dry as a crisp white wine, with little residual sugar left after fermentation. These dry meads can be incredibly refreshing and showcase the unique characteristics of the honey used. On the other end of the spectrum, I have also come across meads that are incredibly sweet, almost dessert-like in nature. These meads can be rich and indulgent, with layers of honey sweetness that linger on the palate.
Wine, on the other hand, is generally known for being drier in comparison to mead. Most wines go through a fermentation process that converts all the sugars into alcohol, resulting in a lower residual sugar content. This gives wine a more crisp and refreshing quality, and it allows other flavors, such as those from the grapes and fermentation, to shine through.
However, it's important to note that not all wines are dry. There are plenty of sweet and off-dry wines available on the market, ranging from dessert wines to semi-sweet Rieslings. These wines can have varying levels of sweetness, and they can provide a similar experience to some sweeter meads.
In terms of alcohol content, mead and wine can also differ. Mead is often comparable to wine in terms of alcohol content, typically ranging from 8% to 14% ABV (alcohol by volume). However, there are also meads that can reach higher alcohol levels, similar to fortified wines. On the other hand, wine can vary widely in alcohol content, ranging from as low as 5% ABV in some light-bodied wines to upwards of 15% ABV in certain full-bodied reds.
To summarize, while mead can be sweeter than most wines, it's important to remember that there is a wide range of sweetness levels in both mead and wine. The sweetness of mead can vary from bone dry to very sweet, depending on the honey and fermentation process used. Wine, in general, tends to be drier, but there are also sweet and off-dry wine options available. Both mead and wine offer unique flavor profiles and can be enjoyed in various settings, whether it's a crisp and dry mead on a summer day or a sweet dessert wine to accompany a decadent treat.