Maison Martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses is pleased to announce a single handcrafted Baccarat decanter of Martell 72 Years Old Grande Champagne cognac, to be offered during Christie’s Fine and Rare Wines & Spirits Online sale, featuring Ancient Cognac and Part II of The Historical Vintage Port from the Cellars of Raby Castle from 22 November – 6 December.
A Rare, Exceptional Martell cognac, Perfected over Time
Since its founder’s first auction in 1766, Christie’s has showcased some of the world’s finest and rarest wines and spirits. Martell 72 Years Old Grande Champagne will be the next to be presented. It is one of the House’s oldest cognacs selected in its extraordinary reserve of over 12,000 eaux-de-vie. Born from a single eau-de-vie from a single cru of the prestigious Grande Champagne terroir, this revered cognac has spent over seven decades in Martell cellars.
Initially stored in Maison Martell’s historic cellars at the Port du Lys, this exceptional eau-de-vie was subsequently transferred to two other cellars before being placed in the legendary Jean Martell cellar, reserved for the Maison’s oldest and rarest eau-de-vie. When it was judged that this eau-de-vie has attained perfection, its ageing process was deliberately halted, and it was transferred from oak barrels to Dame-Jeannes, traditional glass flasks which protect eau-de-vie from contact with the air, preserving their qualities for years to come. Only now, after having spent 72 years in Martell cellars, including three decades in Dame-Jeannes, this singular cognac is being revealed to the world and auctioned at Christie’s.
The Grande Champagne terroir from which it originates inspires a floral nose, punctuated by aromas of acacia honey and orange blossom. On the palate, notes of fresh tobacco, tart citrus and white cedar are accompanied by a remarkable silken sensation. It creates an immediate impression of aromatic richness, fullness and perfect balance – all defining characteristics of Grande Champagne and of a perfectly managed ageing process.
“This collaboration with Christie’s and Baccarat once again illustrates Maison Martell’s capacity to elevate cognac to a luxury product that responds to the needs of a demanding clientele of collectors and connoisseurs.” – Christophe Valtaud, Martell Cellar Master
“Christie’s Wines and Spirits department are delighted to offer this rare and exceptional Martell 72 Years Old Grande Champagne cognac as a highlight of our online fortified wines & spirits sale running from 22 November – 6 December in London. As the oldest of the great cognac houses, Maison Martell’s distinction is unparalleled. We look forward to presenting this unique bottle, meticulously crafted by the world-renowned Cristallerie Baccarat in a handmade crystal decanter, to our collectors worldwide.” – Tim Triptree MW, Christie’s International Director of Wines & Spirits
A Single, Remarkable Decanter, Hand-crafted by Baccarat
The result of an exceptional collaboration among Martell and Baccarat, Martell 72 Years Old Grande Champagne cognac is being released in a single decanter. For this special edition, Baccarat (France’s most revered luxury glass manufacturer) has designed and crafted a crystal decanter with gold accents, worthy of the rare blend within.
Sixteen Baccarat artisans (several of whom are Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, a prestigious designation for outstanding craftsmen) worked together to create this masterpiece, which took six days to complete. A graceful motif of intertwined vine leaves and shoots has been hand-painted in gold and enamel, while the crystal stopper has been engraved with the Martell coat of arms and hand-painted in gold. The decanter is encased by an entirely hand-crafted wooden box, embellished with an intricate, gold-tone marquetry of grapevines, while the central oval medallion bears the name of the cognac.
An Auction with an Exceptional Experience
The successful buyer of Martell 72 Years Old Grande Champagne cognac at the Christie’s auction will not only acquire a one-of-a-kind cognac, but also the opportunity to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Maison Martell in Cognac. This will include an exclusive tasting masterclass with Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud, followed by a unique gastronomic experience co-created with Michelin three-star chef Alexandre Mazzia, and a one-night stay at the enchanting Château de Chanteloup, the historic home of the Martell family.
Featured as part of Christie’s Fine and Rare Wines & Spirits Online sale, Featuring Ancient Cognac and Part II of The Historical Vintage Port from the Cellars of Raby Castle from 22 November – 6 December, Martell 72 Years Old Grande Champagne Cognac is an invitation to indulge in the luxury of time and to appreciate the present while admiring the past.
