MARTELL

The Beginnings of Martell – the history of the cognac house founded in 1715.

Maison Martell was founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, originally from the island of Jersey. At just 21 years old, Martell left Jersey and settled in Cognac, France, using his trading contacts and developing a business based on the purchase and shipment of wines and eaux-de-vie. It was during this time that he began to build the foundations of savoir-faire that still distinguish the brand today – selection of terroir, high-quality raw materials, and close cooperation with local winegrowers.

After Jean Martell’s death in 1753, the company was taken over by his wife Rachel Martell, who ran Maison for nearly three decades with the same commitment, while upholding the motto: “the best, without artifice.”

Martell Savoir-Faire – terroir, distillation, and aging process.

From the beginning, Maison Martell placed strong emphasis on the unique terroir of the Cognac region, especially the Borderies area, the smallest of the cognac subregions, yet highly prized for the delicacy of its aroma, finesse, and distinctive notes. Martell uses the traditional double distillation of wines from the Charente region, which is one of the key methods shaping the purity and character of the eaux-de-vie.

Oak wood – in particular oak from the Tronçais forests – plays a special role in the barrel aging process, imparting notes of vanilla, wood, and aromatic finesse to the spirits. Thanks to proper aging, often over many years, and the expertise of the cellar masters, Martell achieves harmony between young and older eaux-de-vie, ensuring smoothness, aromatic richness, and flavor complexity.

Martell Today – brand, innovation, and prestige.

To this day, Martell maintains its status as one of the most prestigious cognac houses. The company has been part of the Pernod Ricard group since the acquisition of Seagram’s assets in 2001. Under the Martell brand, many innovative releases and limited editions have been launched – including Martell XO, Martell Création Grand Extra (2007), L’Or de Jean Martell (2009), Martell Chanteloup Perspective.

In 2006, Martell joined the Comité Colbert, an association of French luxury houses, highlighting the brand’s role in the luxury segment. Its prestige is further enhanced by notable appearances – Martell Cordon Bleu was served on famous liners such as the Queen Mary, aboard the Orient Express, and even on Concorde flights.

Martell Values, Philosophy, and Heritage – what sets Maison Martell apart.

At the heart of Martell’s philosophy lie values such as excellence, purity of raw materials, authenticity, and creative audacity (audace). The brand consistently strives to preserve its heritage while also taking on new challenges and experiments – for example, using bourbon casks in editions such as Martell Blue Swift, which creates new flavor profiles and attracts new consumers.

Martell’s heritage also includes the company’s exceptionally rich archives – documents, notes, and correspondence dating back to the 18th century, which not only preserve memory but also provide inspiration and knowledge. Production, selection, and aging are carried out with full respect for the terroir – the choice of grapes, trade with local winegrowers, attention to quality – all of this shapes the character of Martell cognacs, making them highly valued by connoisseurs.