Martell Cordon Bleu XO French Cognac 70 cl 40%

Monte Carlo, 1912. At the Hôtel de Paris, Edouard Martell presented a new Cognac to the city's elite, named and designed with a nod to the coveted prize for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic. Cordon Bleu was born, and more than a century on it still stands as one of Martell's most celebrated names.

Expert's Description

Martell Cordon Bleu XO is a French Cognac classified Cordon Bleu, bottled at 40%.

Cordon Bleu was created in 1912 by Edouard Martell, great-grandson of house founder Jean Martell, and launched at the legendary Hôtel de Paris in Monaco. In Martell's own hierarchy, Cordon Bleu sits between VSOP and XO, though it is marketed today alongside the house's XO editions due to its depth and maturity. It was also the first Cognac the house launched after the phylloxera crisis had devastated large parts of France's vineyards, and it is regarded as one of the earliest exclusive Cognacs aimed at a broader international market.

The blend combines eaux-de-vie from both Grande Champagne and Borderies, where the finesse and ageing potential of Grande Champagne meet the characteristic softness and floral aroma of Borderies, a signature of Martell since 1715.

The casks are made from the fine-grained Tronçais oak that Martell favours for its slow, gentle release of flavour during the extended ageing.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Rich and mature, with dried fruit, a touch of honey and a light floral undertone that hints at the long cask maturation.

Palate

Soft and rounded, with notes of apricot and walnut, spiced with a hint of vanilla and a touch of oak.

Finish

Long and elegant, where the dried fruit returns alongside a warm, woody sweetness.

Specifications

Name: Martell Cordon Bleu XO
Distillery: Martell
Country: France
Type: French Cognac
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Tronçais oak casks
EAN no.: 3219820000382
Serving suggestion: Best enjoyed neat in a Cognac glass at room temperature, ideally to round off a good dinner.

Flavour Profile

Dried fruit · Honey · Vanilla · Elegant

Did You Know?

The name and bottle design reference the Blue Riband, the prestigious award for the fastest transatlantic crossing, as a tribute to the Martell family's maritime roots and trade routes across the Atlantic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Martell Cordon Bleu XO

What does Martell Cordon Bleu XO taste like?

It offers dried fruit, honey and vanilla on the nose, while the palate is soft and rounded with apricot, walnut and a hint of oak spice.

Where does Cordon Bleu sit in Martell's range?

Cordon Bleu sits between VSOP and XO in Martell's own hierarchy, but is sold today as part of the house's XO category due to its depth and maturity.

Is Martell Cordon Bleu XO a good gift?

Yes, its historic status and elegant, rounded flavour make it a natural gift for anyone who appreciates classic French Cognac.

How is Martell Cordon Bleu XO best served?

It is best enjoyed neat in a Cognac glass at room temperature, allowing the dried fruit notes and warm sweetness to unfold.

Which glass suits Cordon Bleu?

A tulip-shaped Cognac glass is ideal, as it concentrates the aroma and lets the notes of honey and dried fruit come through clearly.

When was Cordon Bleu created?

Cordon Bleu was created in 1912 by Edouard Martell and launched at the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco, where it quickly became one of the house's most famous names.

Which grapes are used in Cordon Bleu?

The blend combines eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne and Borderies, the two cru areas that give the Cognac finesse and softness respectively.