The Oldest Cognac House: Maison Martell
Founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, Maison Martell is the oldest of the illustrious cognac houses. The brand possesses an extraordinary collection of eaux-de-vie, boasting over 10,000 references, some aged for many decades. For this special release, Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud selected a singular eau-de-vie from the collection to create a unique limited edition.

Celebrating Time and Craftsmanship
Drawn from the House’s most valuable reserves, Martell 70 Years Old Grande Champagne is a pure product of the Grande Champagne terroir, known for its potent and long-aging eaux-de-vie. The cognac is matured for 70 years and released in a limited edition of only 70 handcrafted, numbered decanters. The decanter design was originally created by Baccarat 70 years ago, one of France’s esteemed crystal makers since 1764. Inspired by Jean d’Ylen’s vintage advertising poster, the decanter’s motif shows three female figures amid swirling vine and oak leaves, possibly representing the Graces from mythology. One holds grapes, one a flame, and one an hourglass, symbolizing the three pillars of Maison Martell’s craft: terroir, distillation, and ageing.

A Masterpiece of French Craftsmanship
This unique decanter requires six days to create and involves 16 artisans specializing in nine different crafts, including two “Meilleurs Ouvriers de France,” holders of a coveted national award. The molten crystal is mouth-blown and then shaped before intricate motifs are carefully carved on the side and base of the decanter using a revolving wheel. Once cooled, it is polished, and the engraver meticulously etches the design using a stencil on both the front and back. The gilder applies gold across the entire decanter before gently polishing it off except for the engraved motifs. Finally, a warmer shade of gold is painted with a brush on specific parts of the decor, creating subtle nuances that enhance the design’s beauty.
A Rare Tasting Journey
The Martell 70 Years Old Grande Champagne is a testament to Maison Martell’s tradition of excellence in selecting the finest grapes, precisely distilling eaux-de-vie, and ageing them in fine-grained oak barrels to reveal their rich and refined aromas. Best enjoyed neat in a quiet ambiance, the cognac provides a once-in-a-lifetime tasting experience with unparalleled aromas.

Exceptional Aroma and Taste
The Grande Champagne terroir gives the cognac a floral bouquet of acacia honey and orange blossom. It has a remarkable silken sensation on the palate, followed by notes of fresh tobacco, tart citrus (clementine, mandarin, candied orange peel), and hints of white cedar. The outstanding freshness and fullness, along with the perfect balance, are defining characteristics of the Grande Champagne region.
YOU ASKED…
How old is the Martell 70 Years Old Grande Champagne cognac?
The Martell 70 Years Old Grande Champagne is a cognac aged for 70 years, crafted from the prestigious Grande Champagne terroir.
How many decanters are available in this limited edition?
The Martell 70 Years Old Grande Champagne is released in an exclusive edition of just 70 numbered decanters.
Who designed the decanter for this limited edition?
The decanter was designed by Baccarat, an esteemed French crystal maker, 70 years ago, drawing inspiration from a historical Martell advertisement by Jean d’Ylen.
What are the notable flavor profiles of this cognac?
This eau-de-vie boasts notes of acacia honey, orange blossom, fresh tobacco, and tart citrus, all balanced with hints of white cedar, reflecting the distinctive characteristics of the Grande Champagne region.
Editor’s Note: All listed prices were correct at the time of publication. This article contains editorial selections and paid partnerships. Please note that this article may contain some affiliate links to products and we may receive a commission for selected purchases.
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