Incidentally, the reason these abbreviations are in English is because cognac has been exported for many years and the first importers spoke English. Aged on average between 15 and 35 years, this Extra Old Cognac has turned heads thanks to its unmistakable half-crescent decanter that wouldn’t be out of place displayed within the finest of drink collections. After heating the wine in traditional copper pots, we leave the sediment to settle, using only the clear surface liquor, which is distilled in the traditional Charente double distillation method. There are also some brands of cognac that are classified as Cuvée, which denotes the blend and not necessarily the age of the spirit. Introduced in 2005, Martell XO is a distinct blend from the house of Martell with 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) and an intense yet powerful flavour profile that carries the taste of audacious tradition.

The ageing process generally determines the label: VS, VSOP, XO, XXO, Extra, Réserve, Hors d’Age, and Napoleon for starters. The excellence of this Cognac has been well noted by experts within the industry; having recently been awarded a Gold Medal at the 2017 Cognac Masters. 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 cognacs’ quality.The elegant volute pattern on the carafe front is inspired by the wrought-iron gates that guard the cellar of the famous Chateau de Chanteloup. The designs for Maison Martell’s most prestigious cognacs are as striking as refined, presented in a carafe bottle with pronounced arch and elongated neck. Only white grapes are used in the production of cognac because of its high acidity, which produces eau-de-vie that better preserves the complex aromas of the grapes but takes a longer time to mature. Though largely unchanged for decades, for 2022 the new design is more bold and contemporary than ever before.

VS stands for “Very Special”: only eaux-de-vie at least two years old can be used to make a VS cognac. The punt in the base of the bottle has been redesigned with an accentuated curve, evoking the famously round, generous taste of Martell Cordon Bleu.

Sinfully decadent flavours will meld harmoniously with Martell XO, giving you a complete experience of red fruit and black currant. If you do require precise ingredient information you should consult the manufacturer, whose contact details will appear on the packaging or label.

The swift is magnified and engraved on the back of the Martell XO bottle, which was recently updated to feature a stately cap and collar. Aroma: Spicy notes of black and pink pepper and coriander, rounded out by rich aromas of fig, walnut and sandalwood. The shape of Martell VS and Martell VSOP is a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional and historic cognac bottle shape.

With its elongated shape and cut surface, the Martell Noblige bottle shape is instantly recognisable. Similar to Rémy Martin, but a few years older still, not long ago did Martell celebrate its 300-year anniversary.

The Martell XO Extra Old Cognac is a delightful offering from Martell, the oldest of the large Cognac houses. Going deeper into the gastronomic side of things, Martell XO provides some interesting pairings with rich foods such as aged cheeses like camembert and cheddar, and creamy sauces.Cognac has been widely shipped in bottles since the 1850s, after the use of barrels for shipment declined. This coat of arms has identified Martell shipments since the early 1700s, when Jean Martell marked it on barrels he dispatched from Cognac. Cognac is a blend of spirits that is only produced in the Cognac region in France, but unlike wine, it is legally required to undergo a double distillation process and then aged in oak barrels for a number of years.