Maison Martell Releases its New Cognac Vintage 

The well-established cognac house will be releasing its new collection of cognacs this autumn: the Martell Single Cru collection, an in-depth aromatic exploration into cognac. 

First established in 1715, Maison Martell has always sought to infuse its cognac with the character and personality of the land. Within the domaine’s extensive property four terroirs have been selected, each with its unique exposure, soil type and grape quality. These terroirs will soon be expressed in the brand-new collection launching this autumn, highlighting the house’s visionary approach to cognac-making. 

Since Jean Martell’s first steps in the world of eaux-de-vie, the Martell Cellar Masters have perpetuated the house’s craftmanship and the desire to express the essence of the terroir. This expertise culminates in the Martell Single Cru collection, created by the estate’s ninth Cellar Master, Christophe Valtaud.  

The precise and rigorous distillation and ageing process that take place at Maison Martell make these vintages totally unique: Maison Martell distils only clear wines and ages its eaux-de-vie exclusively in barrels of fine-grained oak, thus minimising the impact of lees and wood. They are then aged separately in the Martell cellars. For the first time however, each cognac in this collection is crafted with eaux-de-vie sourced from a single terroir, not a mix as is normally the case. Of the 11,000 eaux-de-vie available to the Cellar Master, only 400 are retained to make this vintage.  

The collection will therefore be produced in limited quantities. Structured in three ascending editions, right up to a selection of rare or extra-rare vintages, the collection will be enriched over time, with each new release representing a fresh discovery of the Maison Martell’s terroirs. 

Available at the Martell boutique in Cognac, the release will begin with the Discovery Edition, three cognacs made respectively from the Fins Bois, the Petite Champagne and the Borderies terroirs, an ideal introduction to the collection. The second edition, the Aged Edition, comprising an XO and an XXO, continues the exploration with Borderies and Grande Champagne, the two most exclusive Cognac terroirs, which were singled out by Jean Martell himself as early as the 18th century. Finally, with the Vintage Edition, the exploration of Maison Martell’s terroirs reaches its climax. Presented in a precious, numbered bottle, a new cognac will be added each year: a single eau-de-vie, from a single territory, within one, single year. It will be released in exceptionally limited quantities – representing the very last barrels of these rare eaux-de-vie – for collectors. 

“With Martell Single Cru, a rare and prestigious collection which represents less than 1% of Martell cognacs, my aim was to reveal the richness and diversity of the very finest crus,” Christophe Valtaud said. “My hope is that this aromatic exploration of the Cognac region will speak to adventurous cognac drinkers, opening their minds and palates to new tastes, and enabling them to build their own personal collection – one which reflects their preferences and the pleasure of discovery.” 

See the magic of Martell for yourself

Always seeking to renew itself and explore new ways of opening up the world of cognac, Maison Martell has opened its historic estate to visitors and, in its aim to offer a personalised experience, caters to every type of traveller to the Cognac region.  

The house’s new shop, l’Atelier Martell, has just opened its doors in the heart of Cognac. After perusing the boutique, stop for a coffee on the terrace located just outside. If a more serious drink is what you’re after, then the very cool Indigo rooftop bar by Martell in Cognac is where you should head next. Perched at the top of the Gatebourse tower, a landmark location of Maison Martell’s history, the bar offers high-end and elaborate cocktails, imagined by Rémy Savage, a Master Mixologist who was crowned best mixologist in Europe in 2018. Non-alcoholic and less-alcoholic cocktails are also available. 

For an in-depth exploration of Maison Martell, join a guided tour of the estate which will inevitably end in a tasting of the house’s vintages in the newly opened Atelier Martell, often paired with delicious treats.  

If you’re more of a hands-on person, attend a tour followed by a bottling workshop held in a location that is normally closed off to the public. Your visit ends with a cocktail tasting at Indigo by Martell.  

Create your own blend of cognac within the Coquille tasting room. Blending is an art that is passed down from one Cellar Master to another since generations at Martell. You will leave with a personalized ‘montre’ bottle (20cl) containing the cognac that you have assembled. This unique experience will end with the tasting of L’Or de Jean Martell, the most prestigious cognac of the estate, in a place where guests have exclusive access. 

Thrill-seekers can explore the domaine on an electric scooter. Departing from Distillerie Gallienne, you will roam the Borderies terroir with an off-road scooter and enjoy sweeping views of the Charente land, ending with a tasting in the Atelier Martell in Cognac.  

Atelier Martell, open until November 5th, 7 days a week from 10:00 to 19:00 and from November to March, Tuesday to Saturday. 

L’Indigo by Martell, open until October 1st, Wednesday and Thursday 17:00-00:00, Friday and Saturday 17:00-01:00 and Sunday 16:00-22:00. 

To book a tour or a workshop on the historic Martell estate, contact [email protected] or +33 (0)5 45 36 34 98 

For more information, visit www.martell.com