About the product
Martell XO Supreme Fine Champagne Cognac is a luxurious expression crafted from a blend of eaux-de-vie sourced primarily from the Grande and Petite Champagne crus. Aged in fine-grain French oak barrels, it showcases the house’s signature elegance, smoothness, and refined complexity.
On the palate, it reveals rich layers of dried fruit, fig, and apricot, complemented by notes of honey, vanilla, and subtle floral undertones. Hints of toasted almond, warm spice, and gentle oak add depth, while a delicate sweetness enhances balance.
The texture is silky and full-bodied, delivering a smooth, rounded mouthfeel. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering fruit, spice, and refined oak.
Sophisticated and well-structured, Martell XO Supreme is ideal for sipping neat, offering a classic cognac experience with depth, finesse, and lasting complexity.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Taste Notes
Because it has been in the bottle for decades, the flavors have likely "married" into a very smooth, integrated profile:
- Nose: Deeply aromatic with candied orange peel, gingerbread, and dried apricots. There are subtle underlying notes of sandalwood and walnuts.
- Palate: Velvety and rich. It features a harmonious blend of stewed fruits, raisins, and sultanas, balanced by a sophisticated "old oak" spice (cinnamon and nutmeg).
- Finish: Exceptionally long and warm, with a lingering hint of blackcurrant and roasted coffee.
Food Pairings
Cognac of this age and refinement is best enjoyed as a "digestif" (after a meal), but it pairs beautifully with rich, complex flavors:
- Savory: Seared Foie Gras with Fig Jam. The fattiness of the liver is cut by the alcohol, while the fig jam mirrors the dried fruit notes in the Cognac.
- Main: Wild Mushroom Risotto. The earthy "umami" of mushrooms complements the forest floor and "rancio" (aged wine) characteristics of the XO.
- Cheese: Aged Mimolette or Roquefort. The salty, sharp profile of a blue cheese or an extra-aged hard cheese creates a brilliant contrast to the Cognac’s sweetness.
- Sweet: Dark Chocolate Soufflé. The bitterness of high-cacao chocolate pulls out the ginger and cinnamon spice in the Martell.
About the brand
The Oldest of the "Big Four": Founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, it is the oldest of the major Cognac houses.
The Style: Martell is famous for its use of the Borderies cru, which adds a distinct floral and nutty elegance. However, the "Fine Champagne" Supreme was specifically designed to showcase the power and "rancio" of the two premier Champagne districts.
Legacy of the Supreme: The XO Supreme was retired and replaced by the current Martell XO in 2005. Its iconic rectangular, heavy-shouldered bottle remains a favorite for collectors in 2026.
