Metaxa

Metaxa is the brand name of a Greek brandy spirit drink produced from grapes. The brand belongs since 2000 to the French spirits group Remy Cointreau.

Formation

The winemaker Spyros ( Spyridon ) Metaxas (Greek Σπύρος ( Σπυρίδων ) Μεταξάς ) moved in 1880 from the island of Kefalonia to Attica. There he acquired vineyards some years later, to settle down as a winemaker. Since the acquired vineyards were planted with different varieties, he decided to distill the grapes and combine with herbs, instead of being made ​​into a wine. After several years of experiments, he brought in 1888, the Metaxa brandy on the market. As a logo of an ancient coin with a warrior was chosen, which was found during excavation of the factory building. Stylized there is this still on the labels.

In particular, the presentation of the new spirit in the world at that time made ​​Metaxa exhibitions internationally known and brought the new drink a lot of awards. Spyros Metaxas was appointed purveyor to the Greek and Serbian. From the year 1900 Metaxa was also exported to the United States. 1968 moved to its current Metaxa factory. In 1989 the family sold the company to Distillers & Vintners ( IDV ), acquired in 2000 Rémy Cointreau in the majority.

Quality levels

The various versions differ primarily in the duration of storage. The simple is the three-star Metaxa, which is only offered in a few markets. Are mainly sold five-star ( at least five years stored ) and Seven - Star Metaxa ( at least seven years stored ).

The twelve-star Metaxa was offered a long time only in Greece. Meanwhile, he is also offered in Germany. The Grande Fine with specially selected distillates has a minimum storage of 15 years in Limousin oak barrels.

The oldest but rarely offered is the 30 years ( previously 40 years) supported Metaxa Private Reserve.

Variants

On various occasions limited variants are issued, such as the Metaxa Grand Olympian Reserve or Metaxa Centenary, which is traded in numbered bottles, and a few hundred Euros. They differ in ingredient rare herbs and plant extracts.

Special

Although in producing mostly a classic brandy, the formulation of the Metaxa from this differs by an ingredient kept secret blend of herbs. It is therefore sold as a Greek specialty spirits and not as brandy. All Metaxa types are stored in oak barrels. This treatment stains the Metaxa golden. Further this is subjected to various finishing processes, such as a 48-hour storage at -6 ° C followed by depth filtration.

Others

• The Dutch tulips liqueur Amanda was formerly a large part of Metaxa brandy.
• In Greek cuisine Metaxa is used, especially in some gyros variants.
• At times also included the distillery of Ouzo Metaxa 12.