Maison Martell kicks off 2024 by unveiling the world’s most expensive cognac

Maison Martell, one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished cognac houses has launched Les Remarquables de Martell, an exceptionally rare blend made by Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud. It is presented in a limited edition dame-jeanne and valued at one million euros.

Established in 1715 by Jean Martell their cognac captivates connoisseurs with its delicate flavours and elegant complexity. It uses two eaux-de-vie aged over 70 years in the historic Port du Lys cellar, sourced from Grande Champagne. One with Cedar notes, the other fresh with honey and fruit, that blend harmoniously in a rare single-edition release.

French artist Laurentine Perilhou, who has collaborated with renowned haute couture houses in France, was chosen by Maison Martell to create the first edition, and she spent 800 hours on the peice. Laurentine worked with a special kind of gold thread from Lyon, France to create roots with small gold nuggets, swirling tendrils around the glass body, and leaves with the Martell emblem. The design also includes three synthetic sapphires in the Martell blue colour, a diamond in 22-carat gold, and an ornament with 40 jewels made from 300-year-old oak.

Only one individual will have the opportunity to acquire this first edition of Les Remarquables de Martell. They will also get a private tasting with Christophe Valtaud by adding rare eaux-de-vie of personal significance.

In addition to obtaining the exquisite dame-jeanne artwork, the buyer will also receive a magnificent custom cabinet for its display, which comes with six Baccarat crystal glasses, a pipette for pouring the cognac, artistically adorned by Laurentine Perilhou, six montre bottles, and a pair of embroidered white gloves.

To fully experience the unique and immersive journey of Les Remarquables de Martell, the client and three guests of their choosing will be warmly welcomed by Maison Martell in both Paris and Cognac. They will be treated to a magnificent array of exclusive and luxurious activities, tailored to provide a comprehensive exploration of the realms of art, cognac, and opulence. This extraordinary adventure will be guided by the esteemed hosts Laurentine Perilhou and Christophe Valtaud.

L’OR De Jean Martell – Reserve du Chateau

This launch comes right after the release of another stunning collection named “L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château,” paying tribute to the beautiful French art de vivre.

This distinctive cognac blend from the series was unveiled in collaboration with a renowned French château, celebrating and honouring the timeless French art de vivre and heritage that Maison Martell has been renowned for since 1715.

The first launch of the collection, called L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup, pays tribute to the brand’s historic family estate in France and flawlessly combines luxurious cognac with its heritage.

The new collection is a tribute to the golden age of cognac, celebrating founder Jean Martell’s visionary approach and dedication to carefully aging eaux-de-vie until they reach their own “golden age”.

Only 1,000 individually numbered decanters are available worldwide, celebrating the historic home of the Martell family, the Château de Chanteloup, in an exceptional launch. The decanters are available for purchase at selected luxury retailers for approximately RRP 6,900€.

Chanteloup, located in the heart of the renowned Borderies terroir, perfectly represents the magnificence and sophistication for which Martell is renowned. The final stage of the maturation process takes place within the walls of the Château de Chanteloup in this inaugural release. Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud emphasizes, “When you hold a bottle of L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup, you possess a genuine gem; a cognac that encapsulates a pursuit of perfection spanning over 300 years.”

A meticulously crafted blend

L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup blends 1,400 eaux-de-vie from the four finest terroirs in the Cognac region. Each of these eaux-de-vie has been specially selected and aged in fine-grained oak barrels, sourced from France’s most ancient forests.

L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup has a velvety texture, complex aromas, and a long finish. The flavours combine harmoniously, with notes of iris, carnation, honeysuckle, red and black fruits, and a hint of spice. The cognac evolves with aromas of earth and sandalwood.

A captivating sensory journey of elevated service

Maison Martell partnered with Maison Baccarat to craft a stunning crystal decanter of their exceptional L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup. This exquisite collaboration perfectly embodies the epitome of French luxury and craftsmanship. The crystal design enhances the luxurious and sophisticated character of the cognac blend.

The decanter is presented inside a beautifully crafted wooden box with two stoppers included, one for transportation and one for display, alongside a product booklet, retracing the rich story of L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château deChanteloup.

Donna Richardson – Travel Journalist