Martell Explores the Cognac Region through its Single Cru Series
Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud distills the essence of each terrior by crafting cognac using eaux-de-vie sourced solely from the single cru.
When it comes to cognac, provenance is everything. The personality of the drink is shaped by the terroir which produces its eaux-de-vie, with each region or cru having a specific aromatic profile and ageing potential that’s linked to its geographic and climatic conditions. There are six vineyard territories in the Cognac region — Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaries — and for the first time in the Maison’s 300-year history, Martell distills the essence of each terroir by crafting cognac using eaux-de-vie sourced solely from the specific cru.
In the pursuit for the purest expressions, Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud undergoes a rigorous selection process in which he retains only 400 of the 11,000 eaux-de-vie available to him in the Martell reserves. Thus, the prestige and rarity of the Single Cru collection (representing just 1% of the Maison’s cognacs), which is structured in three ascending editions, right up to a selection of rare or extra-rare vintages.
The Discovery Edition is the perfect starting point to explore the richness and diversity of Cognac. Fin Bois’ mixed soil of reddish clay and limestone yields eaux-de-vie that is supple with the aroma of juicy fruit, while the chalky soil of Petite Champagne produces fine, structured eaux-de-vie that is long on the palate. Borderies’ soil dates back to the Jurassic, and is famous for rounded eaux-de-vie with unique aromas of florals and candied fruit. Valtaud crafts one cognac for each of these crus for this first edition.
The Aged Edition deepens the discovery of Cognac through Borderies and Grande Champagne, the two exclusive terroirs singled out by founder Jean Martell himself back in the 18th century. For this second edition, Valtaud selected eaux-de-vie that not only express the environmental essence of the crus but are also remarkable for their age. In the XXO Borderies, the older eaux-de-vies reach their fullness and overflow with luscious fruity notes. Meanwhile, the XO Grande Champagne reveals the full potential of the terroir located at the heart of Cognac, whose chalky soil produces eaux-de-vie of extreme finesse, balancing aromatic power and fruitiness upon maturity.
The Cognac exploration culminates with the Vintage Edition. Here, Valtaud demonstrates his expertise by handpicking a singular eau-de-vie from a particular terroir and year, one that has achieved the apotheosis of its natural qualities. The rare event occurs annually, starting with a remarkable Borderies eau-de-vie from 1999 — a challenging year in terms of climate, resulting in lower harvest volumes but increased quality of grapes. The ultimate flavour profile from that place and time? Characteristic notes of candied fruit and linden blossom, complemented by vibrant hints of citrus, with an extraordinarily smooth and fruity palate.
