Martell XO French Cognac 70 cl 40%

The longer a Cognac is allowed to rest in cask, the deeper its colour and character become. In Martell XO, the deep copper glow is visible proof of years of patient ageing, where the finesse of Grande Champagne has slowly woven itself into the house's classic Borderies style.

Expert's Description

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

Martell was founded in 1715 by Jean Martell and has since made the Borderies cru its trademark, alongside a softness and floral character rarely found elsewhere in the region. In the XO edition, Borderies is joined by eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, whose chalky soil provides the extra finesse and ageing potential a Cognac of this age requires.

The XO classification is one of Cognac's oldest designations and signals that the spirit has drawn influence from substantial cask maturation. It is precisely this long ageing that gives Martell XO its deep, golden copper colour and its layered, complex character.

The casks are made from the fine-grained Tronçais oak Martell has favoured for generations, as it allows the eaux-de-vie to mature slowly without being dominated by the wood.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The aroma opens with dried fruit and honey, gradually giving way to sweeter fruit notes and a touch of spice.

Palate

Full and round, with layers of honey, dried apricot and a warm, woody spiciness reminiscent of sandalwood.

Finish

Long and complex, where the finesse of Grande Champagne keeps the flavour alive well after the Cognac has been swallowed.

Specifications

Name: Martell XO
Distillery: Martell
Country: France
Type: French Cognac
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Tronçais oak casks
EAN no.: 3219820006186
Serving suggestion: Best enjoyed neat in a tulip-shaped Cognac glass at room temperature.

Flavour Profile

Dried fruit · Honey · Spice · Sandalwood

Did You Know?

The XO designation has historically guaranteed a minimum of 6.5 years of cask ageing, making it one of the oldest official classifications in the Cognac region's rulebook.

Frequently Asked Questions About Martell XO

What does Martell XO taste like?

It offers dried fruit and honey on the nose, while the palate is full and round with apricot, spice and a hint of sandalwood in the long finish.

What does XO mean on a Cognac bottle?

XO stands for Extra Old and is one of Cognac's oldest official classifications, historically guaranteeing at least 6.5 years of cask ageing.

Is Martell XO a good gift?

Yes, the deep colour, the long ageing and the house's status as the oldest Cognac house make it a striking gift for any Cognac lover.

How is Martell XO best served?

It is best enjoyed neat in a tulip-shaped Cognac glass at room temperature, allowing the dried fruit and spice notes to unfold fully.

Why does Martell XO have such a deep colour?

The deep copper glow comes from the long cask ageing, during which the Cognac gradually absorbs colour and character from the wood.

Which grapes go into Martell XO?

The blend combines Borderies, the house's classic signature since 1715, with eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, which adds finesse and ageing potential.

Can Martell XO be kept unopened for a long time?

Yes, an unopened bottle can be stored upright or lying down for many years if kept dark and cool, as Cognac does not develop further once bottled.