Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac 700 ml

Distillery Background and History Maison Martell is one of the oldest cognac houses in France, founded in 1715 by Jean Martell in the Cognac region and now part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio. Cordon Bleu was introduced in 1912 by Edouard Martell and quickly became a symbol of sophistication and prestige. It has remained a cornerstone of the house’s range for over a century, served on landmark occasions such as the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary and the first Concorde flight. The blend reflects Martell’s long tradition of delicate distillation and expert blending, emphasizing elegance over power. 

Producer and Master Cellar Master Martell Cordon Bleu is produced by Maison Martell at the Cognac estate in France under the stewardship of Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud. The house’s blending philosophy is rooted in preserving the original signature style established in the early 20th century, balancing floral Borderies eaux-de-vie with deeper, complex components from Grande and Petite Champagne. Martell prioritizes harmony, finesse and aromatic complexity in its craftsmanship, ensuring each bottle embodies the brand’s historic character and consistent quality. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate Cognac production draws from approved crus within the Cognac region, particularly Borderies—the smallest and most prized cru—supplying a high proportion of the eaux-de-vie for Cordon Bleu. Borderies is known for clay-based soils and slightly cooler micro-climates, fostering floral and nuanced fruit characteristics. Additional eaux-de-vie may come from Grande and Petite Champagne, where chalky limestone soils provide structure and ageing potential. This mix of terroirs creates a layered profile of aromatic intensity and aging depth, emblematic of Martell’s style. 

Vinification & Aging Methods Martell uses traditional double distillation in copper Charentais stills for clarity and purity, omitting lees to enhance elegance. The resulting eaux-de-vie are matured in fine-grain French oak barrels, often from Tronçais forests, ageing typically between 10 and 25+ years before blending. The long maturation in oak introduces gentle wood influence, integrating spice, vanilla and rich fruit notes while ensuring a smooth, rounded palate. The blending process unifies over 100 eaux-de-vie to maintain the signature balance for Cordon Bleu. 

Tasting Notes Appearance is deep golden copper. The nose presents vibrant orchard fruit—candied plum and apple—harmonized with roasted notes of mocha coffee, toasted almonds and vetiver. The palate is rich and complex, with mellow fruit, subtle spice, and floral tones lifting into a long, elegant finish accented by hints of sweet spice and orange. The overall profile is smooth, warm and refined with layered depth and aromatic resonance. 

Food Pairing and Consumption Style Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to open aromas, Martell Cordon Bleu pairs beautifully with rich foods like truffle pasta, foie gras, roasted game, rich chocolate desserts and aged cheeses. It also complements savory dishes with warm spices and nuts, or can be enjoyed after a fine meal as a contemplative digestif. 

Service Methods and Temperatures Serve in a tulip-shaped Cognac glass or snifter at room temperature to allow full development of aromatic complexity. Avoid chilling; allow 10–15 minutes of breathing time in the glass to reveal deeper nuances. A small splash of non-chlorinated water can open up secondary aromatics. This spirit is ideally sipped slowly to appreciate evolving layers. 

Storage and Aging Potential Store upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Cognac does not significantly age further in bottle; consume within months after opening to preserve aromatic integrity. Well stored, unopened bottles can remain vibrant for many years, but avoid heat and light exposure to maintain quality. 

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used Primarily Ugni Blanc grapes are used for the eaux-de-vie that form the blend; exact percentages are proprietary but Ugni Blanc is the dominant varietal in Cognac production. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume) 40%

Scores

Whisky Advocate Cognac/Spirits: no major published score available

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Gold 2024

International Wine & Spirit Competition: Gold 2024

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: no widely published score found

International Spirits Challenge: Gold 2024

Scores reflect competition awards rather than traditional wine critic points