Simon Wittenberg takes a look at the debut of Martell’s new collection of luxury cognacs, named L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château.

Maison Martell, the renowned cognac house dating back to 1715, has debuted a new collection of luxury cognacs to pay homage to France’s most prestigious châteaux, starting with the iconic Château de Chanteloup, located to the north of Cognac in South West France.

Each bespoke cognac blend from the collection will be released on a yearly basis to celebrate a prestigious French château.

The inaugural addition to the portfolio, which is also inspired by the iconic French art de vivre and the Maison’s 300-plus-year heritage, is named L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup, honouring the brand’s picturesque and historic family estate in the heart of the iconic Borderies terroir, which we previously have had the privilege of visiting for the unveiling of Martell Premier Voyage.

L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup has been elegantly crafted by Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud, blending more than 1,400 eaux-de-vie from the four finest terroirs in the Cognac region. Each of these eaux-de-vie has been specially chosen and aged in fine-grained oak casks sourced from France’s most ancient woodlands.

L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup marks an extraordinary sensory voyage from start to finish. The notes of iris, wild carnation and honeysuckle merge into sweet, rich aromas of red and black fruit, notably cherry and blackcurrant, heightened by a hint of spice.

As the cognac evolves, aromas of earth and rancio come to the fore, while fragrant notes of sandalwood and cedar emanate from the barrels made of 300-year-old French oak in which the cognac rests.

To showcase the extraordinary L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup, Maison Martell has collaborated with alchemist of joy – Maison Baccarat, to create an exquisite crystal decanter.

Together, Maisons Martell and Baccarat, two iconic houses of French luxury and craftsmanship, embody the essence of excellence à la française. Evoking a single, pure drop of cognac, this elegant and exclusive crystal creation complements the richness and refinement of the blend that lies within.

The decanter is presented inside a beautifully crafted wooden box, and two stoppers are also included – one for transportation and one for display. Owners also receive a product booklet showcasing the rich story of L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup.

Only 1,000 individually numbered decanters of L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup will be available worldwide starting next month, priced at around €6,900 (around £6,000).

L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup – Where and How?

For more information on L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup, visit www.martell.com.