I use straight basic mead (honey wine) as my base. Like Chaucer's or Honeyrun (which I had to order online), it should be a dark golden color, like honey. You can simulate mead using other wines but it's just not the same. If I had to use grape wine, I'd use a white like a Moscato (if I wanted something super sweet) or a Pinot Grigio.
If you can, find some traditional mead (with no added flavors) and try it again. You may find that you actually like the orange paired with honeyed mead, but like I said, I prefer it with just the spices (and Amaretto sometimes).