On Sunday, October 13, the Samian Association of South Australian “Pythagoras” Inc held a 100-person sold out event on the Grange foreshore.
Founded in 1961, the Samian Association of SA is dedicated to the preservation, cultivation and perpetuation of the cultural identity and traditions of Samos, enabling the building of connections between those of Samian heritage, Hellenes and Philhellenes.
Since 2021, the association has seen a revival, with a healthy growth of new members and the organisation of multiple initiatives designed to bring Samians together. One such initiative is a series of culinary tasting events, exploring the connection between produce of Samos and significant staples in Greek culture.
The Metaxa Meander is the second event in a series of events designed to showcase the connection between the household Greek staple of Metaxa and the island of Samos. The event’s name is inspired from the act “to meander” through the tasting journey which attendees were to experience, the ancient god Meander and the Büyük Menderes River (in modern day Turkey), the mouth of which is said to open near the location of Samos.
Connecting Samos and Metaxa
The event was focused on the connection between the iconic Greek spirit Metaxa and the island of Samos. Since the founding of the spirit in 1885, Samos has played a crucial role in the creation of Metaxa. This is because a fundamental component of Metaxa, the muscat wine, is sourced from Samos. Due to Samos’ unique microclimate and biodiversity, the island makes for the ideal region for Muscat wine production.
The event also served an international collaboration between the Samian Association and Metaxa Liknon, which is the home of Metaxa in Samos, who supported the event. This partnership highlights the association’s commitment to cultivate and grow the connection of South Australian Samians with their island heritage.
The importance of Samos to the production of Metaxa was evident by the pervading sentiment, “Without Samos, there is no Metaxa.”
During the “meander,” Peter Drabsch of Spirits Platform was joined by Vice-President of the Samian Association Phil Spyrou to guide attendees though a tasting exploration of four different Metaxa expressions, discussing the distinct qualities that set each one apart.
The journey began with Metaxa 5 Stars, moving to the Metaxa 7 Stars and Metaxa 12 Stars and concluding with an exclusive and rare Metaxa Private Reserve blend. Across the curated four-glass flight, Peter and Phil delved into the unique characteristics of each spirit, focusing on the Muscat wines used, the aging process, and how the spirits are crafted to develop their smoothness and complexity.
Tasting notes were an essential part of the discussion, with guests encouraged to observe the range of flavours and aromas, from fruity and sweet profiles to oaky and smoky undertones, and how various aging techniques and timespans had an impact on tasting.
Throughout the tasting, Peter and Phil emphasised the deep connection between Metaxa and Samos, Metaxa’s history and commitment to Samos, and the role of Samian and Mediterranean botanicals enriching the taste and aroma of the spirits.
Adding to the atmosphere was live Greek music, enhancing cultural immersion and bringing the vibrant island spirit of Samos to the shores of the Grange.
Reflecting on the event, President of the Samian Association Maria Dimas told The Greek Herald that it was “an absolute joy to see so many people gathering to socialise and learn something about our beloved Samos.”
