Maison Martell | Discover the history of the oldest cognac house

Chapter 1

The beginnings

Jean Martell arrived in Cognac in 1715

Guided by his visionary spirit, Jean Martell decided to leave the island of Jersey, where he was born, to start a new life in Cognac, France. Here, he laid the foundations of Maison Martell, taking advantage of the British aristocracy's growing taste for the eaux-de-vie produced in the Cognac region. This young man, aged just 21, was driven by a quest for excellence, acquiring an unrivalled savoir-faire which continues to inspire Maison Martell 310 years later.

Rachel Martell, the transmission

Following the death of her husband in 1753, Rachel Martell took over the House. She had an excellent head for business, presiding over an era of prosperity for Maison Martell, while also securing the futures of her children. For nearly 30 years, she managed the House with excellence and integrity. Her motto, "the best, without artifice", expressed an ethos that has inspired generations right up to the present day.

"the best, without artifice"

Chapter 2

Taking on the world

International shipments

In the 18th century, the first shipments of Martell cognac were destined for England and Northern Europe. Thanks to the robust commercial network established by the Martell family and the excellent reputation of the House, exports reached India in 1781 and North America in 1783. From 1814 onwards, Maison Martell reinforced the presence of its commercial agents around the world. This strategy resulted in the first exports to South America in 1817, Africa in 1848, and Asia in 1858.

A range takes shape

The names given to the eaux-de-vie which were exported in the 18th century reflect the variety of requests and the sophisticated tastes of connoisseurs. They are also an early indication of the emergence of a range. Gradually, not only cognac itself, but also the expectations of drinkers, became more refined. It was then that the first blends appeared. At the turn of the 20th century, the Martell range took shape, with VS (known as "Three Stars"), VSOP, Cordon Bleu and Extra.

"Three Stars"

Chapter 3

Success

Worldwide reputation

Maison Martell's uncompromising savoir-faire in selecting eaux-de-vie and elaborating its cognacs won it a worldwide reputation among connoisseurs. At the turn of the 20th century, as people began to travel for pleasure, the House was chosen by the most prestigious shipping, rail and aviation companies, who were competing to offer their wealthy clientele the most luxurious of experiences. Accordingly, Martell Cordon Bleu, created in 1912, was served on board the Queen Mary, the Orient Express and Concorde. Throughout its history, Maison Martell has also been associated with landmark events, such as the signing of the First World War Armistice on 11 November 1918, the polar expeditions of Paul-Emile Victor, and the wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Innovation

A byword for elegance and innovation, Maison Martell continues to add new chapters to its story, always looking to the future while drawing inspiration from its rich heritage to create new expressions of cognac. The House constantly reinvents itself by pioneering new taste experiences, such as Martell Blue Swift, the world's first spirit made with cognac and finished in bourbon casks, Martell Chanteloup XXO, which initiated a new category of extra, extra old cognacs, and L'Or de Jean Martell – Réserve du Château, a collection which revisits its most prestigious cognac.

Unique cognacs

Visual of L'OR de Jean Martell - Réserve du Château Chanteloup with baccarat packaging

CN History