In true maison Martell savoir faire, the Martell Single Cru collection showcases the essence of the terroir. Tatler Singapore gets a preview of the collection’s six exquisite expressions in Cognac, France, ahead of its launch in Singapore last week
As we drive through the expansive region of Cognac in France on a sunny summer’s day, a panorama of endless vineyards unfolds before us, the various shades of green stretching as far as the eye can see. We are on our way to Maison Martell to get a first taste of the Martell Single Cru collection, ahead of its official launch in Singapore this month. The view reminds us that the vineyards—which are classified into six growing areas, or crus, according to the terroir and the quality of the grapes—have been the heart and soul of the region since cognac houses started producing this liquid gold in the 16th century.
Unlike other cognacs currently available in the market, which are a blend of eaux de vie from different regions, the Martell Single Cru is the first collection that explores the distinct taste and personality of individual terroirs. Martell’s master blender Christophe Valtaud, who welcomes us at the Maison, explains that this collection is the culmination of Jean Martell’s passion for terroir and cognac‑making since he founded the house in 1715. It is this unique savoir faire that generations of master blenders have continued till today.
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According to Valtaud, “the ethos of Maison Martell has been to express the best of the Cognac terroir”, thus he and his team of master blenders crafted six expressions that showcase the essence of the Fins Bois, Petite Champagne, Borderies and Grande Champagne regions. Fins Bois, for example, is famed for its reddish clay and limestone soil, which results in light and airy eaux de vie, while Petite Champagne’s greyish and chalky soil produces fine and structured eaux de vie that leaves an impression on the palate. The soil at Borderies, the smallest cru of the lot, Valtaud shares, contains flint and clay that result in elegant eaux de vie with aromas of flowers and candied fruits, and Grande Champagne, which is said to produce the best grapes, has a chalk and limestone soil that makes eaux de vie with an aromatic richness and power.
In crafting the collection’s six expressions—which are divided into Discovery, Aged and Vintage editions—less than 400 eaux de vie from Martell’s massive 11,000 reserves available to Valtaud were able to best express the essence of their respective terroirs, which makes the collection so rare. These liquids were also aged in fine‑grained oak wood barrels, ensuring there is less contact with wood and lees to maintain their purest expression.
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