Martell Cognac

History

Brandy is produced from special grapes grown in regions around Cognac town. Ugni Blanc, Colombard grapes and Folle Blanche. Grapes comprise 90% of the drink and the rest 10% consists of 10 selected varieties of the same fruit. In copper pot stills (or alembics) it is twice distilled and allowed to age minimum for two years in sealed oak barrels. If these conditions are fulfilled then only can it be termed cognac. The cognac year starts from April 1st.

Eaux-de-vie or waters-of-life go into the making of cognac by distilling white wine made from select grapes. The wine is not good for drinking but ideal for distillation. The product of two distillations is eaux-de-vie. It is a colourless spirit containing 70% alcohol.

During the process of aging a good amount of the alcohol and water/eaux-de-vie evaporates through the oak barrels. This is supposed to be the share that angels take. Now a black fungus thrives on the alcoholic vapours. In the final step the product is diluted with alcohol and pure distilled water. Some caramel is used to colour cognacs. Each cognac group has a master taster who blends the delicate spirit so that the taste remains unchanged through even 50 years of time.

There are hundreds of vineyards in Cognac selling their own brand of the drink. Martell is a leading producer of cognac. It was started by Jean Martell in 1715 but later had been bought first by Seagram and then by the Ricard Group. Till the 1980’s the cellar master hailed from the Chapeau family.

Martell stresses on pure and soft type of cognac that is neutral. The casks of Martell Cognac are from Troncais oak. This is dark, has narrow pores, less of tannin and more of lignin than Limousin oak. Thus the aroma of Martell Cognac is less wooden. Most of it comes from grapes grown in the Borderies region.

Varieties

There are many types of Martell Cognac. Martell Cognac Cordon Bleu is coppery in colour with a fragrance that is floral and spicy. The stuff is refined and very elegant, smooth with a fruity and woody savor. It is mellow and complex. The Martell VS Cognac made its entry about 150 years ago. It is well blended and harmonious with a fruity mellow taste that leaves behind a feeling of pure freshness. It is ideal for cocktails.

The Martell VSOP is old pale and although highly matured it is not sweet. The amber hued Martell Cognac Supreme is flavoured with grapes grown from four cognac regions. It is powerful and oozing with the taste of dry fruits and nuts that lingers in the memory long after it has vanished.

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