Martell Fun Facts
When a brand has over 300 years’ worth of history, one can assume that it’s stagnant or stuck in tradition. With Martell, the reverse is the case. The illustrious Martell Cognac house thrives on its history to create new ways of connecting with consumers.
It all began in 1715 when a very intelligent and committed businessman, “Jean Martell” arrived in Cognac, France, started his own Cognac house, and married Jeanne Brunet. Read on for fun facts you need to know about Martell Cognac.
Martell wasn’t French
Jean Martell was born in Jersey, the largest island on the English Channel. Though a self-governing English territory, Jersey is closer to France than England. The deep French influence in Jersey implanted a lifetime love for French culture, and ultimately Cognac, in Jean Martell.
Martell was one of the Initial Cognac Houses
Jean Martell, who hailed from a wealthy family of English wine merchants, arrived in the Charente region of France to purchase wine and send it back to his Jersey home. He became captivated by the region and its brandy. Martell chose to stay and start making his own Cognac. He was just 21 years old at the time.
Martell is one of the World’s Top Four Selling Cognac Houses
In 2019, The Spirits Business published data showing Martell being second behind Hennessy when it comes to sales of Cognac in the United States. Martell is one of only four Cognac houses that sells more than a million cases yearly. Of the four houses, Martell’s increases in recent years have been more than double those of others.
The Martell Logo was formed from the Family Coat of Arms
The symbols of hammers and a martinet bird are on the Martell coat of arms. In French, Marteau and martinet mean “Martell.” In 1848, the coat of arms was added to the house’s labels, which was used to mark the Cognac barrels.
There is a Secret Cellar for Martell’s Oldest Eaux-de-vie
In 2016, Martell transferred its cellar and blending secrets from Benoit Fil (the former cellar master) to Christophe Valtaud. Valtaud, the former vineyard manager, became the new cellar master and custodian of centuries-old secrets. These classified contents include recipes to iconic blends and “Paradis’” location – a secret cellar where the precious Eaux-de-vie is stored — some dating back to 1830.
Martell has a Unique Link to Bourbon and Kentucky
After releasing the Blue Swift Cognac, Martell experienced a more than double boost in brand sales in the United States. The Blue Swift VSOP Cognac is aged using Kentucky bourbon casks to finish. Since its release in 2017, the overall Martell sales have increased to 233,000 cases in the US.
You can take a Tour of Martell Cognac from the Comfort of your house
Martell house’s interactive video/photo tour allows you to “travel” and experience the magic of Martell Cognac. The tour gives you an all-access entry to its grounds, chateau, and cellars. It also includes a virtual bartender preparing different cocktails variety to inspire you to experiment with Cognac as you like.
