Martell VSOP Red Barrel Cognac

About Martell

Founded in 1715 by merchant Jean Martell, Martell is the oldest of the great Cognac houses. Moving from his native Jersey to France, young Martell devoted himself to developing the art of cognac, and travelled the region in search of the finest eaux-de-vie, establishing ties with local winegrowers. After his death in 1753, his widow Rachel Martell took over Maison Martell, vowing to uphold his vision and integrity. In over three centuries, House Martell’s exceptional cognacs have earned an international repute, and were served at many historical events, such as the coronation of King George V of England in 1911, and the signing of the World War I armistice in 1918. In 1935, Martell cognac hit the headlines when famous explorer Paul-Emile Victor took eight cases with him on a polar expedition. Martell has been part of the French spirits group Pernod Ricard since 2001.

Martell stands out from other great cognac houses because of its special double-distillation method, traditional in the Charente region. To ensure authentic flavor, traditional copper pot stills are used to heat the wine. Martell is the sole major cognac house to distill only clear wines – in which all sediments and impurities have been removed – to produce exceptionally fine and pure eaux-de-vie. These are then matured in soft, fine-grain oak barrels under the watchful eye of the Martell Cellar Master until they reach their full potential, which might take anywhere from two years to several decades. When the eaux-de-vie have matured, they are transferred to glass demijohns to stop the ageing process, and stored in the Jean Martell cellar until they are used to make cognacs. Eaux-de-vie from various vintages and growing areas are masterfully blended to create the unique taste of each cognac. Martell’s VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) was born in 1831, and has since gone on to become a symbol of refinement and savoir-faire throughout the world.