It is the only cognac to incorporate all four of the most prestigious crus – Borderies, Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois.

Unlike the rest of the big four cognac houses, it’s not often that Maison Martell releases a new cognac. But when it does, you can be certain that countless hours of blending, tasting and refining (on repeat) have transpired to produce the new expression.

Thus, when the oldest cognac house unveiled the Martell Chanteloup XXO at the Le Petit Palais in Paris last September, it proved nothing short of extraordinary. Trust us, we experienced it first-hand.

Sure, the historic art museum in all its magnificence had set the tone and the exquisite dinner prepared by 3-Michelin starred Chef Guy Savoy signalled an evening of opulence; but there was no mistaking the star of it all.

Perpetuating a legacy of savoir-faire

Inheriting its name from the historic Chateau de Chanteloup, also dubbed the soul of Maison Martell, the Chanteloup XXO takes cognac aficionados straight to the private cellar within the estate where the house’s art of blending is epitomised.

Inside, Martell’s legacy of savoir-faire is perpetuated by Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud who blended 450 very old eaux-de-vie expounded his predecessors to create the Chanteloup XXO. Even the youngest eau-de-vie in this blend has been aged for a minimum of 14 years, thus meeting the “Extra Extra Old” standard.

“Martell Chanteloup XXO embodies a heritage transmitted through nine generations, as the Martell art of blending has been passed on from one Cellar Master to the next. Today, just as I blend eaux-de-vie that were aged by my predecessors, so I nurture eaux-de-vie that will be blended by my successors,” Christophe said.

Not only is the blend extraordinary for its age, but the fact that it incorporates all four of the most prestigious crus – Borderies, Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois – is a testament to its complexity. Simply put, it’s a feat not possible without virtuosity in cognac-making and mastery in the art of blending.

Read more: Martell The Journey: Discovering 300 years of the Maison in Cognac

An unprecedented expression of cognac

While staying true to three key pillars of elegance, complexity and harmony, the Martell Chanteloup XXO also highlights the Maison’s artistic craft and meticulous attention to detail.

The sleek outline of the bottle, for instance, calls to mind the elegant volutes of the iron gates leading to the Chai Chanteloup in the Martell estate. Lavish gold and amber tints allude to the rich expression of cognac within the bottle, and we are not disappointed upon a taste.

Fragrant aromas of honey, vine peach and apricot greet the nose first, before hints of fig, almonds and walnuts. The first sip immediately hits the palate with an intense burst of fruity notes. It feels unmistakably full and round yet well-balanced – equal in strength and elegance, leaving a satisfyingly long finish in the mouth.

Celebrated with bespoke craftmanship

A cognac as monumental as the Martell Chanteloup XXO deserves its own magnificent display – and Martell positively saw to that with the Martell Chanteloup XXO Masterpiece.

Exquisitely crafted by Ateliers Normand, this bespoke trunk is designed to complement the unique experience of tasting the new XXO. Its exteriors are painted in the signature Martell blue and completed with mirror-polished steel, brass and copper.

The trunk opens to reveal the Martell Chanteloup XXO as the main showpiece, flanked by two montres (glass sampling bottles traditionally used in Cognac) personally hand-picked by the client after a private consultation with Christophe. These are selected from the oldest and most representative vintages from either the Borderies (the smallest and rarest grand cru) or Grande Champagne (where Christophe grew up with a family of winegrowers) regions.

Clients can choose from six different leather-covered panels for the inside, which is finished in natural oak and Corian® serving space. In addition, clients can personalise their masterpiece with their choice of wording. Each limited-edition Masterpiece is also individually numbered for exclusivity.

According to the Maison, the entire experience of consultation, customisation and craftsmanship will take about six months – thus fostering an inimitable relationship between the Maison and the client.

The Martell Chanteloup XXO Masterpiece is available by special order (price on request). For more information or to purchase the trunk, contact chanteloupXXO.masterpiece@martell.com.

The Martell Chanteloup XXO will soon be available in Malaysia via partner distributors and the Pernot Ricard Malaysia Shopee page.

Photos: Martell