On a soggy December morning, as I slip my hands into my cashmere gloves, thoughts of my trip to Cognac immediately evoke images of elegance, refinement and luxury as I prepare to travel for the launch of one of the most exclusive new cognacs in the world, L’Or de Jean Martell – Reserve du Chateaux de Chanteloup.

I can already feel the warmth of a crackling fireplace in a cosy lounge, sat in deep plush armchairs where one can savour the rich aroma and smooth taste of this distinguished spirit. In that moment, I feel instantly warmer just from the mere vision. Reality then arrives as I fly into Bordeaux and commute by private transfer to Cognac. The drive is one hour and thirty minutes via motorway, offering a smooth, and scenic travel through the French countryside and setting the tone for the upcoming experience.

Les Foudres 

Upon arrival in Cognac, my bags are collected and I am ushered away to the Michelin starred Les Foudres Restaurant located in the luxurious Hotel Chais Monnetand Spa, which will be home for this trip. I happily enjoy a delightful three-course lunch, all paired with the most delicious white wines. Knowing that I have a day of Cognac tasting ahead, I reluctantly only take a few sips of the exquisite Chateau de Chamirey 2021 and a Riesling, Alsace Grand Cru, 2022 comprising of wonderful citrus notes. The lunch consists of artichokes prepared three ways, the catch of the day for the main course accompanied by a medley of seasonal vegetables, and smoked fish eggs. The relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, combined with the superb cuisine, makes for a perfect prelude to the trip ahead.

Hotel Chais Monnet and Spa

After lunch, due to a tight schedule, I quickly check in at the Hotel Chais Monnet and Spa. The hotel is a hidden nirvana, located in the heart of Cognac’s rolling vineyards, and is known for its five-star luxury. Architect Didier Poignant transformed the former industrial site, which predominantly consisted of wine cellars, into the stunning hotel complex that stands today. The transformation was achieved with great care to preserve its rich heritage while seamlessly integrating new elements. The bedroom I am allocated is equally divine, with a modern style that reflects the charm of the new but still pays homage to the past by maintaining an original oak beam. The soft hues of white, cream, and beige bring an immediate sense of calm, serving as a backdrop to the elegant furnishings and plush bed.

L’Or de Jean Martell – Reserve du Chateaux de Chanteloup

Maison Martell, the oldest of the cognac houses, are launching a new L’Or de Jean Martell – Reserve du Chateaux de Chanteloup which will be available in January 2024. Each unique cognac blend from the collection will be released annually in collaboration with a prestigious French Chateau and presented in a beautiful crystal decanter by Maison Baccarat. L’Or de Jean Martell – Reserve du Chateaux de Chanteloup is a tribute to the iconic brand’s history and family estate. 

Only 1,000 numbered decanters of L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup will be available worldwide. These exclusive decanters can be purchased at selected luxury retailers for approximately €6900. Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud has meticulously crafted this exceptional cognac by blending over 1,400 eaux-de-vie from the Cognac region’s four finest terroirs. Each eau-de-vie has been carefully selected, and aged in oak barrels sourced from France’s oldest forests.

What does it taste like? L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup showcases a blend of iris, wild carnation, and honeysuckle, resulting in a delightful combination of sweet and rich aroma from the first sip. The presence of red and black fruits, particularly cherry and blackcurrant, adds to the overall richness. A subtle hint of spice further enhances the flavour profile and provides the echo of warmth. As the cognac continues to mature, earthy and rancio aromas become more prominent, complemented by fragrant notes of sandalwood, and cedar. These latter notes serve as a reminder of the 300-year-old French oak casks in which the cognac is aged.

The Maison Martell Cellars

To appreciate the new, we need to understand the past, and savoir-faire of their historic cellars and what sets them apart. So, I set off on an immersive journey into Maison Martell’s famous cellars to meet with the cellar masters. The tour starts by giving us an exclusive look at the Martell archives with letters to customers, dating back to when Jean Martell first established the brand in 1715. 

Next, we had a demonstration of how the oak barrels are constructed. The barrels used for L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup are a fine-grained oak sourced from a French forest, around 300 years old, emphasising the importance of the oak selection. Oak takes centuries to grow and contains tannins that enhance the cognac’s flavours. The selected trees are nearing the end of their life cycle, ensuring sustainability.

The blending process for L’Or de Jean Martell is expertly lead by Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud, and his team of cellar masters who carefully select and blend 1,400 eaux-de-vie from different years and vineyards to create the cognac. The specific eaux-de-vie used in the blending process are carefully chosen based on their individual characteristics and qualities, such as their aroma, flavour, and aging potential to create a unique flavour profile. After refining the blend, it rests in the cellar, allowing the flavours to develop. The result is a rich and complex cognac that highlights the expertise of the cellar masters and the exceptional quality of the eaux-de-vie, emphasising the craftsmanship that goes into creating such exceptional spirits.

The Gala Dinner launch for L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup

After enjoying the cellar tour, we head back to the hotel to change for the black-tie gala dress dinner, which marks the official launch event. The dinner takes place at the beautiful Chateau De Chanteloup, formerly the home of the Martell family. 

Upon arrival, we are taken to the parlour, where we are greeted with tailor-made cocktails by the award-winning bartender, Remy Savage. I drink a cocktail made of fine cognac, bergamot, tomato ponzu, spices, and chilled with ice cubes containing gold leaf.

The gala dinner menu is curated by Chef Alexandre Mazzia, a renowned French chef known for his innovative and creative approach to cooking. He has earned three Michelin stars for his avant-garde cuisine. Chef Mazzia is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of traditional cuisine and creating unforgettable dining experiences. His unique blend of flavours, textures, and techniques draws inspiration from his multicultural background, incorporating diverse ingredients and influences.

Trays of canapés, including wild trout and salmon eggs, and smoked eel with dark chocolate, are presented on platters before we are then escorted to the extravagant dining room, where the invited guests will have the privilege of being the first to taste the new cognac. The room is adorned with a glistening crystal chandelier, sparkling from above like thousands of tiny beluga eggs. This elegant touch complements the flickering candlelights that radiate from the grand dining table, which is beautifully decorated with crystal glassware and gold Cutipol cutlery. The overall ambiance exudes a sense of grandeur and opulence.

As I take my seat, I am mesmerised by the scene before me. Suddenly, a bottle of the exquisite L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup emerges from a secret compartment in the centre of the table. Its Baccarat decanter catches the light, creating a dazzling display of shimmering light. During the dining experience, the orchestra performs a rendition of Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” recomposed by Max Richter. As the music fills the air, Chef Alexandre Mazzia and his talented team present a captivating selection of courses, each displaying their technical expertise and a sublime balance of flavours. To complement this extraordinary culinary journey, the menu is thoughtfully paired with the finest Martell cognacs.

The menu consists of 22 dishes, which highlight unique and tantalising flavour combinations. It is impossible to choose a favourite, but one of the standout dishes include succulent lobster with aromatic juniper berries and the refreshing taste of watercress. Then the spider crab marinated in saké and beetroot offers a delightful fusion of flavours, while the mussels with coconut and mojito-tarragon condiment provide a burst of tropical freshness in my mouth. The marinated scallop with smoked beetroot and cognac-infused granité combines smoky and tangy elements to perfection. To conclude the dining experience on a sweet note, the dulce de leche and matcha green tea ice cream is a taste of heaven. 

And What did we drink? Complementing these exquisite dishes is a selection of the finest cognacs I have ever tasted, sparkling like liquid jewels in our crystal glasses. The cognacs we savour include Martell Grande Champagne Réserve du Fondateur, Martell Grande Champagne Réserve Extra, Martell Classe de Borderies, and the exquisite L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup. With each sip, these cognacs offer a luscious sweetness and a satisfying finish, leaving a lasting impression of opulence. 

Together, the harmonious blend of music, cuisine, and cognac creates a truly memorable and immersive sensory experience. It is an opportunity to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of both the culinary and distilling worlds, leaving us with cherished memories of a remarkable journey into the realms of gastronomy and fine spirits.

Les Flâneurs 

On the second day, after checking out from the hotel, I enjoy a delicious lunch at Les Flâneurs Restaurant, located in La Nauve Hotel. In collaboration with Chef Anthony Carballo, the menu features exquisite dishes such as Duck Foie Gras with Hot Wine Jelly, Poultry Ballotine with Garden Mushrooms, and a Signature Entremet with Pistachio and Chocolate. The meal was accompanied by a selection of fine spirits, including La Fine à L’Eau Martell, Domaine de Potiers IGP d’Urfe Aris 2022, Pierre Soulat Sapiens IGP Charentais 2020, and Martell XXO. The restaurant’s casual chic ambience, and the roaring log fire along with the delectable cuisine, make for a perfect ending to this extraordinary trip.

In a nutshell

L’Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château de Chanteloup is a real celebration of the French art de vivre. The entire experience is seamlessly organised, with attention to detail to create a cohesive and memorable experience. The combination of Maison Martell’s heritage, the stunning venues, and the outstanding culinary experiences make this trip truly unforgettable. I leave Cognac having made new friends all with one thing in common: a shared love of fine spirits.

To discover more, visit martell.com