Spirit of the Châteaux

Martell cellar master CHRISTOPHE VALTAUD crafts a limited-edition L'Or de Jean Martell, the first in a series that will honour French estates.

- JOSEPH LOW

Martell is a house synonymous with cognac excellence for over two centuries. That heritage is now being put on display with the brand's new collection, L'Or de Jean Martell - Réserve du Château. The series will be released on an annual basis and deliver bespoke cognac blends celebrating the individuality of historic French estates.

The first in the collection is L'Or de Jean Martell - Réserve du Château de Chanteloup. It honours and completed the final step of its ageing process in - none other than the Martell family home.

By blending aged eaux-de-vie with the vibrancy of newer cognacs, Martell's cellar master Christophe Valtaud creates a complex and dynamic flavour profile that speaks to contemporary palates.

Réserve du Château de Chanteloup opens with floral notes that lead to rich red and black fruit flavours like cherry and blackcurrant. The cognac lingers with a touch of spice, sandalwood and cedar. The taste is sublime, even if one has no knowledge of rarity. The cognac, housed in Baccarat crystal decanters, is limited to 1,000 bottles worldwide, with 90 allocated to Singapore.

Here, Valtaud sheds light on the inspiration behind the blend, its link to Martell's history, and his plan for future Réserve du Château releases.