Martell VSOP 700ml

Martell VSOP is a VSOP Cognac from Martell, the Cognac house Jean Martell founded in 1715. This blend is aged in what Martell calls red barrels, fine-grained oak casks that have taken on a red colour from earlier use, and it is bottled at 40% ABV.

Buy Martell VSOP Cognac Online in New Zealand

Martell has long aged its eaux-de-vie in fine-grained oak, which gives up its tannin slowly. For the VSOP, the cellar master chose seasoned red barrels, so the wood stays in the background and the fruit comes forward. It replaced the older Martell VSOP Médaillon, and the style is noticeably fruit led: think yellow stone fruit such as plum, greengage, apricot and peach, with light wood and sweet spice behind it. Under Cognac rules, every eau-de-vie in a VSOP has been in oak for at least four years, so this sits a clear step above a VS in age and depth.

Martell VSOP covers a lot of ground. Sip it neat at room temperature in a tulip glass, or pour it over one large ice cube if you like it a little cooler. It is also a strong cocktail base: try a Sidecar, a Cognac Old Fashioned, or a simple highball with ginger ale and an orange wedge. At the table, the fruit suits roast duck or pork, mild washed rind cheeses and apricot or plum tarts. For someone moving up from VS Cognac, or anyone after a reliable gift for a brandy drinker, it is an easy choice. Keep the bottle upright, sealed and out of direct sunlight, and it will hold its character for many months after opening.