Martell

Martell is one of the oldest and most prestigious cognac houses in France, with a history stretching back to 1715. Founded by Jean Martell, an Englishman from Jersey, the house has been producing fine cognac in the Charente region for over 300 years, combining craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation to create a style renowned for its smoothness, elegance, and fruit-forward character.

From its earliest days, Martell distinguished itself by sourcing grapes exclusively from the finest crus of the Cognac region, with a particular focus on the Borderies, the smallest of the six crus, prized for producing eaux-de-vie with a soft, floral, and velvety profile. This emphasis on Borderies spirit has become a hallmark of the Martell style, contributing to the roundness and aromatic finesse found across the range.

The production process follows time-honoured methods. Martell uses clear wines, free from lees, for distillation, which produces a lighter, more delicate eau-de-vie. Distillation is carried out in traditional copper pot stills, and maturation takes place in fine-grained French oak barrels, which impart subtle tannins without overpowering the spirit’s natural fruit and floral notes. Unlike some other houses, Martell favours barrels made from Tronçais oak, known for its tight grain and ability to deliver gentle, well-integrated oak influence.

The Martell range offers expressions for every level of appreciation:
• Martell VS - a vibrant, fruit-led cognac ideal for mixing or enjoying over ice.
• Martell VSOP - smooth and balanced, with dried fruit, vanilla, and spice notes, perfect for sipping or in refined cocktails.
• Martell XO - rich and elegant, with layers of fig, walnut, and honey, showcasing the depth of well-aged Borderies spirit.
• Martell Cordon Bleu - the house’s flagship since 1912, celebrated for its complex, rounded profile of candied fruit, honey, and soft spice.
• Prestige releases such as Martell Chanteloup Perspective and L’Or de Jean Martell highlight the pinnacle of the house’s blending artistry, marrying rare, decades-old eaux-de-vie.

Martell’s character is often described as silky and aromatic, with flavours leaning toward stone fruit, floral notes, and subtle spice, rather than the heavier oak and rancio of some other cognac houses. This makes it particularly appealing to those who prefer elegance and balance over sheer power.

In addition to its classic range, Martell continues to innovate. Recent releases have included cask finishes, limited editions, and collaborations with artists and designers, all while maintaining the core values of quality and refinement that have defined the brand for centuries.

Our Martell Cognac selection includes everything from approachable entry-level bottles to rare and luxurious collector’s pieces. Whether you’re looking for a refined gift, a versatile spirit for cocktails, or a richly layered cognac for after-dinner sipping, Martell offers a timeless expression of French craftsmanship, a spirit with a heritage as enduring as its smooth, sophisticated taste.