Embark on an exhilarating terroir journey with the Martell Single Cru

In wine-making, the term “terroir” has long been a guiding principle, shaping flavour and character. This concept has remained largely in the background for the world of cognac – until now.

Ever the innovator, Maison Martell introduces the Martell Single Cru, a collection that seeks to uncover the distinctive qualities of individual regions, or crus. By revisiting the codes of cognac, Maison Martell invites enthusiasts of all levels to savour how each cru unveils a unique expression shaped by the land, the climate and craftsmanship.

A JOURNEY THROUGH TERROIR

Cognac has its roots planted in the vineyards, much like wine. This shared origin places a natural emphasis on terroir – the unique interplay of an area’s sunshine, soil and climate. White wine crafted from grapes in specific regions is twice-distilled in copper stills to create eau-de-vie, and the resulting fruit brandy is aged and blended to make cognac. At Maison Martell, each cognac is a masterful blend concocted from a selection of over 100 eaux-de-vie.

This dedication to quality traces back to the vision of founder Jean Martell. Since the inception of his luxury cognacs in 1715, Martell devoted his efforts to uncovering the nuances of terroir, mapping out the different expressions of eaux-de-vie with precision.

Within the realm of terroir lies an even finer distinction – the concept of cru. Each terroir encompasses several crus, each with its own character. The Martell Single Cru Collection highlights four crus out of the six recognised in Cognac.

The Fins Bois region, characterised by reddish clay and limestone soils, yields eaux-de-vie with a light and airy profile. Petite Champagne, with its greyish chalky soils, infuses blends with vigour and length on the palate. Venture into the Borderies, renowned for its eaux-de-vie redolent with floral and candied fruit aromas, for a delicate touch. And finally, the Grande Champagne cru, marked by chalk and limestone soils, produces powerful, aromatic brandies, evidenced by the deep amber hues acquired during aging.

EARTH TO EAUX-DE-VIE

The advantage of using eaux-de-vie from a single cru is that similar profiles naturally harmonise when they are blended. However, preserving their innate characteristics poses a challenge, one that Maison Martell navigates through meticulous processes at every stage, from sourcing and distillation to ageing and blending.

To ensure optimal purity, Martell exclusively distills clear wines, a unique practice in the cognac world. This approach produces a liquor free of sediments and impurities, yet rich in aroma from the grapes. These eaux-de-vie are then aged in fine-grained oak barrels, chosen for their delicate woody character, with a focus on minimising any influence from lees to preserve the flavour. Each brandy from the four crus undergoes separate ageing in Martell’s cellars.

The journey through the Single Cru collection is structured into three editions, each designed to uncover themes across various profiles and occasions. The Discovery Edition investigates the aromatic profiles from Fin Bois, Petite Champagne and the Borderies. Enthusiasts can seek to discern between cool, crisp notes and fruity sips, honing their appreciation for each cru.

For the Aged Edition, the focus shifts to aged varieties. Eaux-de-vie from Grand Champagne and Borderies attain XO and XXO status after extended ageing in Martell’s cellars, offering heightened depth, complexity and richness from the barrels. The two crus, identified by Jean Martell in the 18th century for their potential, see limited annual releases produced in small, numbered batches.

The Vintage Edition showcases expressions from specific years. The first rare Vintage Edition from Single Cru starts with the 1999 Borderies – a region comprising only 5 per cent of Cognac vineyards. Expect a profusion of aromas in a sip that captures the essence of a single harvest and cru from a private domain.

CREATE YOUR LANDSCAPE

The Martell Single Cru collection is not just an ode to the profound impact of terroir on their eaux-de-vie; it’s a buildable collection crafted to grow with the passionate collector.

You might be drawn to the refreshing notes of pear and peach found in the Discovery Edition Fin Bois, or perhaps you prefer the Aged Edition Grand Champagne XO, a blend aged for 10 years that boasts hints of pepper, nuts and red fruit. And while the Discovery Edition Borderies entices with its mix of candied fruits, soft spices and honey, the Aged Edition Borderies unveils a mellower flavour.

Dive into this expedition of terroir and taste. The Martell Single Cru collection is a journey that evolves alongside its owner as they explore and define their individual preferences.

The Martell Single Cru Discovery Edition (S$200) and Aged Edition (starting from S$460) are available at select retail stores. The Vintage Edition (starting from S$3,000) is available from May via select retail stores and Le Cercle. Additionally, the complete Martell Single Cru collection can be procured via Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard for its Le Cercle members.