Metaxa brandy: history, features, types and flavors + how to drink
The first bottle of Metaxa was produced in 1888 in sunny Greece.
In fact, the drink is a mixture of brandy and wine and combines the properties of both products, which makes it truly unique.
A distinctive feature of each bottle of Metaxa is the image of an ancient Greek coin, the prototype of which, according to family legend, was found during the construction of the first plant.
History of the Metaxa brand
The company was founded in 1848 by an enterprising businessman and connoisseur of alcoholic beverages Spyros Metaxa.
From a young age, the son of Greek silk merchants was interested in traveling and the art of creating grape spirits.
Having comprehensively studied the process of distillation and blending, Spyros opened his own business near the port of Piraeus, where he produced the first bottle of "Greek gold".
At that time, the factory was the only one in the country that produced brandy, and the drink itself was originally called "cognac".
The business developed rapidly, new plants were opened, and the drink conquered new markets.
In the early 20th century, the first batch of Metaxa was sold in the United States, where the unique spirit was called "flying brandy".
After the founder's death, the business was continued by his family members - his wife and children.
In 1968, the company's cellars moved to Athens, where the main production was concentrated.
The drinks of the House of Metaxa have repeatedly received international awards, the brand is consistently among the Top 50 best-selling alcohol brands.
Features of Metaxa production
The drink is obtained by combining grape distillates, nutmeg wines, infusions of Mediterranean herbs, extracts of rose petals.
Raw materials for Metaxa are grown in different regions of Greece.
The basis for the wines is used to produce fermented grapes of certain varieties: Sultanina, Savatiano, Black Corinth.
Most of the plantations are concentrated on the island of Samos, whose microclimate and mineral soils are ideal for growing nutmeg vines.
The distillates and wines are aged in French oak barrels for a certain period of time and then blended into a single composition.
The average maturation of ingredients is from 3 to 12 years.
Some types of brandy are aged for several decades.
One person is responsible for creating a harmonious bouquet, who oversees the process from start to finish, acting as a distillation and blending specialist.
For 130 years, only 5 generations of masters have changed, which is what the owners of the company are especially proud of.
As a result of the coordinated work of the company's employees, exquisite drinks of delicate or deep amber color, famous as "Greek gold" and "silk brandy", are produced.
The average strength of the products varies from 38 to 41%.
Exclusive copies may have a higher alcohol content - up to 45%.
Types and flavors of Metaxa
METAXA 3 STARS
The simplest version of the drink with minimal aging (3 years) and strength (38%), which is often brought as a gift from Greece.
It has a golden color and a refreshing fruity flavor.
METAXA 5 STARS
"Flower. Multifaceted. Soft". A drink whose components are aged in oak barrels for at least 5 years.
Main notes: orange and rose flowers, honey, apricot, vanilla, almonds, oak, raisins.
METAXA 7 STARS
"Fruity. Saturated. Full-bodied". Brandy aged for 7 years.
The velvety bouquet contains tones of peach, prunes, honey, raisins, and nutmeg. There are light spicy and herbal notes.
METAXA 12 STARS
"Mature. Special. "Bold". The drink is aged for 12 years.
The taste and aroma are characterized by accents of flowers, herbs, chocolate, dried fruits, vanilla, caramel, orange peel.
METAXA PRIVATE RESERVE
"Luxurious. Full-bodied. Unique". A special brandy of dark amber color, aged for at least 20 years.
The bouquet is dominated by citrus, floral, oak, and fruity tones.
Hints of honey, coffee, chocolate, sweet spices, tobacco and dried fruits are felt.
METAXA ANGELS’ TREASURE
"Refined. Intense. Noble". A drink aged for 50 years.
Surprises with a variety of shades: dried fruits, sweet and spicy spices, chocolate, bitter orange, tobacco, pepper, oak, plum.
The elite 80-year-old brandy "Metaxa AEN", released to mark the company's anniversary in a gift box, should be included in a separate category.
The drink is characterized by a complex taste and intense aroma with accents of oak, dried fruits, spices, nuts, tobacco, orange peels.
How to drink Metaxa
Due to its multifaceted, balanced bouquet, Metaxa can be drunk in different ways.
Classic ways of tasting:
In its purest form.
With ice or tonic.
As part of cocktails: it is combined with citrus fruits, lemonade, sugar syrup, ginger, vermouth, liqueur, apple, berry and lemon juice.
The aged varieties are ideal as an aperitif or digestif at gala receptions and dinner parties.
Update: 28.02.2019
Category: Brandy and Cognac