Spirit Forward is a series documenting the latest releases in the world of drinks. In this edition, we discover the prized Martell 70 Years Old Grande Champagne.
Hand-crafted Baccarat crystal decanter. Grapes sourced exclusively from Grande Champagne. Aged for 70 years in Port du Lys’ cellar, which, for the uninitiated, is one of the oldest and most qualitative ones in the Cognac region. All signs point to the Martell 70 Years Old Grande Champagne being one of the most prized possessions any collector can have.
We spoke to Martell’s brand education ambassador, Alexandre Combescot de Marsaguet, so he could tell us more about this exquisite cognac and why you should have it on its own, if you do decide to open the bottle.
The Martell 70 Years Old Grande Champagne cognac is one of the most notable recent releases. Can you tell us more about what’s so significant about this particular release?
The Martell 70 Years Old Grande Champagne is a never-seen-before 70 years old eaux-de-vie coming exclusively from Grande Champagne, nestled in a hand-crafted crystal Baccarat decanter. It is a piece of art limited to 70 units worldwide. Situated at the very heart of the Cognac region, Grande Champagne is renowned for the richness, power and ageing potential of its eaux-de-vie.
Building on the legacy of The Martell Centenary 1921, the 70 years old Grande Champagne is a testament to our pride, crafted exclusively from 100% of Grande Champagne which has attained at least 70 years of age in Port du Lys’ cellar, renowned as the oldest and most qualitative ones of the cognac region.
What was the flavour profile that Christophe Valtaud was going for when crafting this cognac? How is it different from the usual Martell cognacs or even the L’Or de Jean Martell?
It’s a very unique offer and it is a piece of from one of the most precious liquids of Martell’s exclusive reserve. The Grande Champagne terroir from which it originates lends this eau-de-vie its floral first nose, marked by notes of acacia honey and orange blossom. In the second nose, after swirling, the eaux-de-vie offers a hint of fresh tobacco leaf or cigar wrapper, evolving towards an impression of bittersweet candy.
On the palate, it has a remarkable silken sensation with full attack and develops into the tart freshness of citrus (clementine, mandarin, candied orange peel), creating an impressive balance of taste. In the taut finish, the delicate notes of wax polish are prolonged by a hint of white cedar.
While the L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition celebrates the art of blending with a focus on cultural traditions and yearly zodiac celebrations, the Martell 70 Years Old Grande Champagne distinguishes itself as a pure product of the prestigious Grande Champagne terroir, drawn from the House’s most precious reserves.
Can you tell us more about the design of the bottle and what it was inspired by?
It is contained in a hand-crafted crystal Baccarat decanter that was created 70 years ago by Baccarat. Our working relationship with Baccarat goes a long way; to signify the historic moments of 70 years, we have presented the decanter that is painstakingly crafted by hand at every stage, from the mouth-blown of the molten crystal to the shaping of the decanter.
The elaborate motifs of the side and base of the decanter were carefully carved with a revolving wheel, and each engraving of the bottle is uniquely hand-realised. The front and back of the decanter feature intertwined vine leaves and grapes filled, etched manually and hand-painted in a warmer gold, creating subtle nuances that further enhance the beauty of the design. The decanter also comes with a crystal stopper engraved with Martell Blason, hand-painted in gold.
The décor was inspired by an archive Martell advertising poster by the illustrator Jean d’Ylen. It depicts three female figures—one of the figures holds a bunch of grapes, the second a flame and the third an hourglass, symbolising the terroir, distillation and ageing—the three pillars of Maison Martell’s savoir-faire.
Each decanter is accompanied by a wooden marquetry gift box, with mirror polished stainless steel details in gold, silver and copper. The door of the gift box features an engraved gold medallion mentioning the Grande Champagne terroir and 70 years old eaux-de-vie age. The interior of the door panels are leather-wrapped echoing the decanter decor with the three female figures amid dynamic swirls of vine and oak leaves. Each gift box comes with a Martell leather protection guarantee certificate, showcasing the warranty certificate hand-signed by Christophe Valtaud (Martell Cellar Master).
What is the best way to enjoy the Martell 70 Years Old Grande Champagne?
Ideally, this rare eau-de-vie should be savoured neat, in a crystal glass and in a quiet ambiance, to fully appreciate its exceptionally rich and refined aromas.
Would you enjoy the Martell 70 Years Old Grande Champagne alone, or with food? If with food, what food will go best with it?
I believe it would taste best enjoyed in neat. However, with the perfect balance of the liquid that offers rich and refined bittersweet notes, it can also be paired with seafood, red meat, and citrus-based desserts.
For a little self-indulgence, I would enjoy the 70 Years Old Grande Champagne in a Riedel Sauvignon blanc glass. The design and material of the glass perfectly highlight all the fragrances and aromas of this prestigious cognac.
Adding a touch of elegance in savouring one of the most exquisite cognacs, I would love to pair it with a three-course meal, starting with a lobster ravioli in sweet pepper cream; followed by a main course of beef wellington with foie gras and finishing off with a citrusy passionfruit creme brulee.