What is Cognac?
Cognac is a brandy or distilled wine made from French white grapes that has been aged in oak barrels. It is distilled twice and then aged for at least two years in French oak barrels, giving it its unique flavors and aromas. Cognac comes in many different forms such as VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), XO (Extra Old) and even vintage-dated. It is one of the finest and most luxurious drinks in the world.
What Is The Oldest Known Cognac Brand Still In Existence Today?
The oldest known Cognac brand still in existence today is Martell, which was founded by Jean Martell in 1715. Jean Martell’s family had a passion for wine and brandy production, and it was this passion that led to the creation of Martell Cognac. The first bottles of Martell were made in the town of Cognac, France, and remain the gold standard for Cognac more than three centuries later.
Martell stands out from the many other Cognac brands as one of the oldest distillers still in operation, and is known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Martell is considered to be one of the finest Cognacs available, as evidenced by its numerous awards and accolades.
How Martell Makes Its Cognac
At Martell, crafting their Cognac is an art form. Each bottle of Martell is crafted with a blend of carefully-selected Eaux-de-vie, or distillates of aged wines. The distillates are aged up to six years in Limousin oak barrels in the cellars of the Martell family château in the Grande Champagne region of Cognac, France.
Martell sources its grapes from the Grande Champagne region and nearby surrounding areas. The quality of the grapes and the terroir are what define the character of the spirits. The distillers at Martell ultimately decide which blend is the best, and only the finest eaux-de-vie are used to make their Cognacs.
Martell’s commitment to quality is evident in the details, as each cask is aged separately, allowing for perfection at every stage. Once the edit has been chosen, it is then aged for additional time in barrels, blending and refining the flavors even further. Finally, the Cognac is artfully bottled by hand, ready for customers to unlock the richness and complexity of Martell’s exceptional taste.
The Different Varieties of Martell Cognac
Martell offers Cognac in a variety of different forms, from its traditional VSOP and XO expressions to its limited-edition vintage-dated Cognacs, as well as its newer VS, VSOP Privé and XO-polished lines. Whether you are looking for a light, fruity flavor or something more bold and complex, Martell has something for everyone.
For those looking to explore the range of flavors that Cognac has to offer, the Martell Coyle range is an excellent option. The range includes a selection of unique and flavorsome cognacs that reflect the natural terroir of the Cognac region. These include the Foire Internationale De Cognac, La Toison d’Or, and the Cordon Bleu expressions.
Experience the Taste of Martell
The taste of Martell Cognac is truly remarkable. It offers a complex and intense flavor that evolves with time in the glass, making it the perfect drink for special occasions and intimate gatherings.
The aromas of Martell Cognac vary depending on the blend, with notes of fruit, spices, and wood woven into the blend and offering a unique drinking experience. On the palate, flavors such as orange marmalade and vanilla combine with the woody and fruity aromas to create a truly exceptional Cognac.
Conclusion
Martell Cognac is the oldest known Cognac brand still in existence today. Due to its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Martell’s Cognac is among the top-rated and most highly-sought after beverages in the world. With a wide array of varieties available, there is something for everyone. Experience the unique taste of Martell Cognac and discover why it has stood the test of time.
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