MARTELL | French cognac xo, vs, vsop, noblige, cordon bleu, creation grand extra, cohiba and l'or de Jean Martell

Faq

What do the initials VS, VSOP and XO mean ?
VS, VSOP and XO refer to the age and quality of the cognac. Each corresponds to how long the brandy has been aged in oak barrels. In 1983, following a request by the BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac)*, the French government drafted regulations governing the terms used to describe a cognac’s quality. These designations, which may be included on the label, refer to the age of the youngest eau-de-vie used in making the cognac. VS stands for ‘Very Special’: only eaux-de-vie at least two years old can be used to make a VS cognac. Other denominators and expressions are permitted, such as ‘3 stars’ or ‘luxury’, and as such are included in the VS cognac category. VSOP stands for ‘Very Superior Old Pale’: VSOP cognacs are created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years. The VSOP category includes designations such as ‘Old’ or ‘Reserve’. XO stands for ‘Extra Old’: XO cognacs are made only from eaux-de-vie at least six years old. Cognacs such as ‘Napoleon’ or ‘Old Reserve’ are equivalent to XO cognac. Incidentally, the reason these abbreviations are in English is because cognac has been exported for many years and the first importers spoke English. *Public-service organisation responsible for looking after the interests of cognac and all related activities.

Which is the best cognac for cocktails and which is the best to enjoy on its own ?
Ideally, you should choose your cognac according to how you intend to drink it. VS and VSOP are perfect for long drinks* or cocktails, while older cognacs are best enjoyed on their own. There is a particular way of drinking each type of cognac. Or rather, there is a particular way of enjoying each age of cognac. It would indeed be a pity to use a very old cognac in a cocktail, as the complex flavours of an Extra Old cognac (such as Martell XO or Martell Cordon Bleu) deserve to be tasted neat or with a drop of water. Cocktails and long drinks* A long drink is one in which the cognac is diluted with soda, orange juice or sparkling water. Cocktails, on the other hand, can include a vast number of ingredients. It is therefore advisable to use a VS or VSOP for this type of drink. Note that, for some cocktails, the kind of cognac required is indicated in the recipe. Neat or with a drop of water Older cognacs are much the best for this. Just pour a few centilitres of old cognac into a cognac glass – either balloon-shaped or tulip-shaped – and add a drop of water (less than one quarter of the XO volume) and the tasting can begin. The long years spent in oak casks give the cognac a subtle, complex blend of flavours which will delight expert and novice alike. *Drink that contains alcohol but has been diluted with a non-alcoholic mixer.

How long can cognac be stored ?
It all depends on how it is stored. Although eaux-de-vie can be kept in oak casks for several decades, once the cognac has been bottled, a few precautions are necessary to ensure it keeps well. Ageing in oak casks is an essential, compulsory step in making cognac. The flavours and amber colour of the eaux-de-vie go on maturing in our dark, peaceful warehouses for anything up to 70 years. Bottled cognac Once it has been bottled, cognac stops maturing. Unlike wine, which can go on improving, cognac ceases to age when in bottle. Thus, a bottle of cognac can be stored for a very long time provided it has not been opened and the cork remains intact. Storage tips Storing the bottles upright in a dry, dark place will maintain the quality of both cork and cognac. Once the bottle has been opened, try to keep the contents away from air, as this could cause the cognac to deteriorate. Transferring the cognac to a smaller container can help avoid this problem of oxidation. Following these tips will enable you to continue enjoying your cognac for several more months.

What is the difference between brandy and cognac ?
Brandy is a distilled alcohol made from eau-de-vie from wine, which has been aged for several months in an oak barrel. Just like cognac. Except that cognac is a wine eau-de-vie from a Controlled Appellation of Origin, and as such is subject to strict and demanding elaboration rules that distinguishes it from brandies. Of protected origin The first thing that differentiates cognac from brandy is its place of origin. Any eau-de-vie (spirit made from distilled wine) included in a cognac must be made from grapes grown in the region defined by a French law passed in 1909. Thus, cognac is very much a product of France, whereas brandy can be made anywhere in the world. Prescribed production process Secondly, the methods used throughout the production process must follow a series of very strict regulations. Brandy does not have to comply with any such rules. For example, the addition of sugar during the wine-making process is totally prohibited for cognac. Similarly, cognac must be distilled twice by the traditional method, as laid down by a French law from 1936. Regulated marketing Cognac is subject to very strict marketing rules. While cognac must follow the same general regulations as all wines and spirits, it must also abide by certain specific, additional regulations.

Which vineyards are allowed to produce cognac?
The precise area where the grapes grown can be used for cognac is identified by an appellation or guarantee of origin. The area where cognac can be made was officially defined by a French law dating back to 1 May 1909. The inclusion of a single grape from a vine growing in a vineyard outside this zone is forbidden. The area where cognac is produced The area defined by the 1909 law covers nearly a million hectares (approximately 2,500,000 acres) around the town of Cognac in South West France. This does not mean that every acre is used for vineyards. On the contrary, grapes are only grown on just over 78,000 hectares (about 200,000 acres), 95% of which are involved in the production of cognac. Concentric ‘crus’ The appellation is further divided into six crus, growths or wine-producing areas, forming concentric circles around the town of Cognac, the heart of the appellation. Martell cognacs are unique in using eaux-de-vie from the Borderies, the smallest growth of the appellation, giving Martell its hallmark floral bouquet. A very special landscape The vines are planted in calcium-rich soil, and the nearby Atlantic Ocean provides the added benefit of a mild, temperate maritime climate. Last but not least, the amount of sunshine the region receives is ideal for grape-growing.

What is ‘the angels’ share’?
While the eau-de-vie matures in oak casks, some of it evaporates. This natural phenomenon is commonly known as ‘the angels’ share’ and amounts to the equivalent of some 20 million bottles a year. The angels’ share is a well-known expression found in numerous books on alcohol and its history, particularly those about cognac, of course. We do not know when the expression was first used, but its poetic aspect has certainly contributed to its widespread adoption. Torula compniacensis This is the name of the fungus caused by the angels’ share. As the eaux-de-vie mature in the cellars of the Charente region, some of the evaporated alcohol escapes from the oak casks. This natural evaporation aids the development of a microscopic fungus called torula compniacensis, which feeds on the resulting mixture of alcohol fumes and humidity. A visible and costly phenomenon The evaporated alcohol itself is invisible, but the fungus is easy to spot all over Cognac. Its presence is betrayed by a blackening of the walls of any buildings near the cellars. Every year, cognac-producers reckon to lose some 3 to 4% of the maturing eaux-de-vie into the atmosphere. In other words, the equivalent of around 20 million bottles stolen by the angels...

What kind of glass is best for tasting cognac?
Two kinds of glass are generally recommended for capturing cognac’s subtle aromas: the tulip- shaped glass or the balloon glass. Practical aspects aside, the glass plays a very important part in tasting and enjoying cognac. Its size and shape help release and enhance the cognac’s bouquet. The specialist’s choice: the tulip-shaped glass Experts, particularly cellar masters, tend to use a tulip-shaped glass for tasting, the better to capture the essence of the cognac. The shape of this glass, narrower at the top than the bottom, concentrates and circulates the aromas, making it easier to appreciate them. The traditional choice: the balloon This is the classic glass used for serving cognac all over the world. It is perfect for the enlightened amateur, but to appreciate fully cognac’s aromatic intensity, a 25cl balloon glass is best. Finally, whether you choose a tulip-shaped glass or a balloon, make sure it is made of clear glass because drinking cognac is also about savouring its colour and roundness with the eye.

Cognac: what is the best way to appreciate it?
Opinions are divided. Some like to drink cognac neat, after a meal (as a digestif), while others prefer it as an aperitif, in the guise of a long drink* or cocktail. Cognac as a digestif Traditionalists believe cognac has that certain elegance that adds the finishing touch to a perfect meal. Using a tulip-shaped glass or a balloon concentrates the aromas and allows the liquid’s amber reflections to be fully appreciated. Cognac as a long drink* Cognac takes on a different character entirely when mixed with soda, tonic, orange juice or even sparkling water, becoming the ultimate thirst-quencher! As a long drink, it is increasingly popular, particularly in Asia and the United States. Cognac as a cocktail There are a vast number of cocktails featuring cognac as a base or ingredient, ranging from complicated recipes to those within the reach of any amateur barman. Cognac cocktails are the key to a completely new range of flavours. * Drink that contains alcohol but has been diluted with a non-alcoholic mixer.

What is the 1715 cocktail?
The 1715 is a cocktail of particular significance for the House of Martell. Here’s why – and how to make it. It was in 1715 that Jean Martell left his native island of Jersey to settle in South West France. He chose the Cognac area and it was there that he soon set up his own company, trading in eaux-de-vie. So 1715 alludes to the year in which the House of Martell was founded. Doubly symbolic The 1715 cocktail is named after a special date in Martell’s history, but it owes its creation to another very special occasion: it was invented by the highly renowned chief barman at the Paris Ritz’s Hemingway Bar, Colin Field, to celebrate the launch of the Martell VSOP Exclusive Ritz Edition. The 1715 cocktail: the recipe This elegant, stylish cocktail is easy to make and uses simple ingredients. Gently crush some mint leaves with a little sugar in a tumbler. Add 2cl of Martell VSOP Medaillon Cognac and 3cl of white grape juice. Add some ice and top up with champagne.

Is there such a thing as a Route du cognac?
While cognac has no direct equivalent of a route du vin or motorists’ tour of local wineries, the Charente region is full of places where you can find out more about how cognac is made, distilled and enjoyed. For cognac-lovers, a trip to the Charente region can quickly turn into something of a pilgrimage. As the birthplace of cognac, the region is steeped in the history of this world-famous spirit. On the cognac trail Cognac town centre is the perfect starting point for visitors, offering an information centre buzzing with ideas and advice on where to go and what to do. Or why not follow one of the Etapes du Cognac trails? These themed routes are a great way to learn about the history of cognac and how it is made, taking in the Charente river (originally used for transporting barrels of cognac), as well as the region’s vineyards, buildings and traditions. Absolute musts For those who prefer a more academic approach, Cognac has two museums, one about the local spirit and the other covering the region’s 2,000 years of art and history. The Martell Visitors’ Centre also provides some fascinating insights into the making of cognac.

Direct Access

Join us on Facebook

You need to upgrade your Flash Player

This is replaced by the Flash content.

Place your alternate content here and users without the Flash plugin or with Javascript turned off will see this. Content here allows you to leave out noscript tags. Include a link to bypass the detection if you wish.