Martell (cognac)

In 1715, Jean Martel, a young entrepreneur from the island of Jersey , began his own business in Cognac on the banks of the Charente River, establishing one of the very first cognac houses. After his death in 1753, his widow, and then two sons and grandson, continued the tradition of their husband, father and grandfather, establishing export products, making Martell the number one cognac in England in 1814.

In 1831, Martell produced its first cognac VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) and continued its promotion on the international market. His fame spread throughout the world after the first export shipments to Japan and other Asian markets, such as Indonesia , Vietnam , Malaysia and Korea .

Cordon Bleu, created in 1912, is considered the company's most famous product.

Cognac Martell served on board the ship "Queen Mary" in 1936 and even on board the aircraft "Concord" in 1977.

In 1987, Seagram acquired a French manufacturing company for $ 1.2 billion.

Since the acquisition of several alcohol products by the Seagram group of companies in 2001, Martell has been owned by Pernod Ricard, the French group of manufacturers of alcoholic beverages.

In the 2000s, Martell created new cognacs: Martell XO in 2005, Martell Création Grand Extra in 2007 - in a bottle created by glass artist Serge Manso. In 2009, Martell launched its signature cognac L'Or de Jean Martel. In 2011, Martell expanded its range of “super-prestigious” products, adding exclusive Martell Chanteloup Perspective cognac to it - a tribute to the masters of cognac production and the Chantel region.

In 2006, Martell became a member of the Colbert Committee, an association that promotes French luxury manufacturers internationally.

In 2010, Martell Brandy House extends its sponsorship with the Palace of Versailles , launched in 2007, supporting the restoration of the Queen's lobby. In 2012, the 100th anniversary of the Martell Cordon Bleu cognac, released by Eduard Martel in 1912 at the Hotel de Paris in Monaco , was celebrated. The celebration took place in the same place.

Bordery

Terroir Borderi possesses cru - soil reserved for vineyards, which is considered the most prestigious in the entire region of Cognac due to its exceptional character and quality of o de vie - grape spirits produced on it. Having established his home, Jean Martel sought to acquire the Bordery region. Its uni blanc grapes give cognacs a rich aroma marked by a taste of candied fruit and sweet-spicy notes.

Distillation

House Martell has developed its own distillation method using traditional Charente copper distillation apparatus. The distillation is carried out under the supervision of a master of cognac production, and during this process the techniques and knowledge transmitted from generation to generation from the time of Jean Martel are used.

Exposure

For the final ripening stage, the Martell house chose fine-grained oak barrels. When ripening comes to an end, under vigilant supervision of the master, sampling o-de-vie takes place to prepare the raw materials for blending, as a result of which cognac will be created.

Martell selects the following cruises from the Cognac region: Borderies, Grand Champagne, Petit Champagne and Feng Bois.

Martell VS

Created over 150 years ago [exact date unknown] under the name Trois Étoiles (three stars). The taste of this cognac contains tones of pear and banana. Martell VS has a grape and vanilla flavor. Designed for use in a "big glass", as well as in cocktails.

Martell VSOP

This cognac is characterized by a golden amber color. The aroma of grapes is accompanied by notes of oak and vanilla. Taste with hints of sweetness. The age of brandy spirits is at least 4 years.

Martell Noblige

The age of cognac spirits is 15-20 years. It has aromas with hints of dried fruit and oak. Honey aftertaste.

Martell Cordon Bleu

Cognac Martell Cordon Bleu was created by Edward Martel in 1912. It is characterized by a rich golden-copper color and a bouquet, with tones of flowers and spices. Taste with notes of fruit and oak wood with hints of candied fruit and ginger.

Martell XO

Martell XO is a cru blend from Bordery and Grand Champagne. The bottle is made in the shape of an arch. The color of the drink is from golden amber to mahogany. The aroma felt tones of dried fruits. The taste contains tones of vanilla and almond, spicy shades of dried fruit. The age of cognac spirits is 40-45 years.

Martell Chanteloup

Perspective Martell Chanteloup is an extra brandy; some of its members are kept for several years in the Chantelou cellars.

Martell Création Grand Extra

Created by blending master Bruno Lemoine, it consists of cognac spirits from the Borderies and Grand Champagne regions. It has a bouquet with notes of nuts, dried fruits and cocoa. Taste with hints of blackcurrant and roasted nuts. The age of cognac spirits is 60-70 years.

Martell Cohiba

Composed of cognac spirits of 40-50 years old, this cognac is recognizable by the color of mahogany with caramel reflections and a bouquet with notes of orange, hazelnut and almond.

L'Or de Jean Martell

L'Or de Jean Martell is a blend of cognac from grapes harvested in the cre of the Borderies and Grand Champagne regions. This cognac combines more than four hundred o-de-vie, some of which are over one hundred years old.

• Official website
• Pernod-Ricard Website
• Read more about Martel on the site about French cognacs