Maison Martell’s Chanteloup XXO is an ode to its spiritual home and a testament to the cognac maker’s audacious spirit.
Maison Martell is one of the names that singularly built its legacy on the premise of time, its longevity surpassing a touch beyond three centuries. Mention its name and several things come to mind — audacity, savoir-faire, meticulousness and luxury. Though these are intangible, they give rise to the tangibles that many associate with the great cognac maker, such as its golden amber liquid, depth of character and enveloping bouquet on the nose. Founder Jean Martell’s ambitions to create today’s associations began in 1715 when he sowed the seeds of labour and love in the unique terroir of Borderies. Grapes growing in the silica-clay soils of the land give its eaux-de-vie distinctive floral aromas and exceptional smoothness. Of the numerous expressions that later found themselves bottled even nine generations later, they still bear the distinct hallmarks envisioned by Monsieur Martell, one of these being the Martell Chanteloup XXO.
Crafted by Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud, the Martell Chanteloup XXO’s namesake is an ode to Martell’s spiritual home, the Château de Chanteloup acquired by Monsieur Martell’s grandchild, Théodore Martell, in 1838. While it previously remained in the Martell family’s private estate, today, the property near Cognac, France, is home to some of Martell’s oldest and rarest eaux-de-vie locked away in the cellars and receives guests to explore Martell’s vast universe.
“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,” shares Christophe Valtaud.
Despite being at the pinnacle of fine cognac making, Martell is not resting on its laurels as it seeks to take on new challenges with boldness. The same audacious spirit personified by Monsieur Martell led Valtaud to blend up to 450 very old eaux-de-vies to achieve the Martell Chanteloup XXO. While the number does not fully encapsulate Martell’s expertise, it is a testament to the cognac maker’s incredible breadth and depth in its cognac-making heritage.
After careful consideration, eaux-de-vies from the four most prestigious cognac crus were chosen for the rich amber-coloured expression. On the nose, heady sweet bouquets of honey, vine peach, and apricot give way to a medley of figs, almonds, and walnuts. While there is no right way to imbibe the cognac, Martell recommends having it neat to experience the intense fruity aromas. The first sip of the Martell Chanteloup XXO dominates with its fullness, balance, power, and elegance before dissipating into a long lingering finish.
The Martell Chanteloup XXO is bottled in a carafe-style bottle with a pronounced arch. A silver cap contrasting against a deep blue background is a throwback to 1848 when the two colours were first used on the labels. An elegant volute pattern on the bottle front is a nod to the wrought-iron gates guarding Château de Chanteloup’s cellar and Martell’s 300-year-old savoir-faire and art of blending.