Discover Martell's Art of Blending in the Chanteloup XXO

If you’re a cognac drinker, you would’ve encountered such initials as VS, VSOP and XO that distinguishes the age and quality of the spirit. XO, for example, denotes “Extra Old”, indicating a blend of eaux-de-vie that is aged for at least 10 years in a barrel. It’s considered the gold standard of cognac. In 2018, XXO (you guessed it: “Extra Extra Old”) raised the bar by extending the minimum ageing to 14 years, heralding a new era of refinement. The newest category is a test of Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud’s art of blending, as he culminates nine generations of savoir-faire in the Martell Chanteloup XXO.

Named after the historic Château de Chanteloup — the 18th century French estate which the Martell family once resided in — Martell Chanteloup XXO delves right into the heart of the Maison with a rich, complex and harmonious blend of 450 very old eaux-de-vie drawn from the most prestigious Cognac crus. In fact, it is the only cognac to combine eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies and Fins Bois, showcasing the magnificence of the region’s terroir. Cellar Master Valtaud meticulously blends eaux-de-vie aged by his predecessors, as well as ages eaux-de-vie for his successors, making this drink a true transmission across generations.

Opening with luscious aromas of honey, vine peach and apricot, Martell Chanteloup XXO is intensely fruity on the palate, with a remarkably long finish. Such an exalted drink is best enjoyed neat, either as an aperitif or with a few drops of water to unlock its aromatic complexity. Otherwise, the sophisticated blend pairs exceptionally well with indulgent foods like red meats, seafood, aged cheeses or dark chocolate, cutting through the richness with its powerful fruitiness to elevate the gastronomic experience.