Atelier 1715 Réserve privée
L’Atelier 1715 crafts personalised cognacs for connoisseurs
From its earliest days, Maison Martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses, would adapt its blends to take account of differences in taste from one country to the next. Founder Jean Martell firmly believed cognac was a craft that could be tailored to the individual. His mastery of blending and ageing, along with his intrinsic understanding of the Cognac terroir, allowed him to offer bespoke cognacs right from the origins of the House.
Martell’s tradition of customisation reaches its apogee with the launch of L’Atelier 1715. In this exclusive personalisation experience, a select few of Maison Martell’s most esteemed clients create their own unique blend. For the Atelier’s launch, the House has chosen its most prestigious cognac, L’Or de Jean Martell.
An experience steeped in tradition
At the historic Maison Martell site in Cognac, steeped in over three centuries of tradition, clients are introduced to their chaperone, a Martell ambassador. The visit starts in the archives, where the Archive Manager presents significant artefacts from the history of Maison Martell, and pieces relevant to the client’s own story.
The experience continues in the Chai Tricentenaire, a cellar built in 1836 by Gabriel and Théodore Martell, grandsons of the founder. Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud had the cellar renovated to showcase the different expressions of L’Or de Jean Martell. The clients have the privilege of tasting the Cellar Master’s latest interpretation directly from the cask—a rare opportunity to savour the eaux-de-vie at a stage where the aromas and tasting notes are at their most delicate and ever-changing.
Crafting the perfect blend
L’Or de Jean Martell contains more than 1,400 eaux-de-vie, each of which has attained its aromatic plenitude, its golden age. This particularly complex blend is based on special reserves created by every Martell cellar master up to the present day, with each reserve representing the quintessence of the expertise left by a Cellar Master to their successors.
Under the watchful eye of Christophe Valtaud, clients are offered samples from five of the reserves, preserved in dames-jeannes from the effects of time. The Cellar Master can thus pinpoint their tastes and, with the client’s participation, create a personalised blend: L’Or de Jean Martell Réserve Privée.
Personalised elegance: the decanter
The finalised custom blend is transferred into an elegant decanter, which will be delivered to the client’s home within a month. In partnership with Baccarat, the distinguished French crystal manufacturer, Martell has designed a sleek, sophisticated carafe inspired by the shape of a single, pure drop of cognac.
There are three motifs to choose from—Gold-leaf, Feather, and Shagreen, each rooted in decorative techniques used during the 18th century when Maison Martell was established. These motifs adorn the stopper, neck jewel, and pedestal of the decanter, adding a touch of elegance and individuality. The neck jewel, crafted by Orfèvrerie d’Anjou, carries the prestigious Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label, further underscoring the commitment to excellence and craftsmanship.
To complete the experience, clients can engrave their decanter with initials, dates, or a message of their choice—a lasting reminder of their unique connection to Maison Martell.
Gastronomic celebration
As part of the exclusive visit to Cognac, the client will also have the chance to experience Signature Martell par Alexandre Mazzia – a gastronomic experience co-created by Christophe Valtaud and the three-Michelin-starred chef Alexandre Mazzia. The exceptional, intimate dining experience, a veritable sensory and emotional journey, celebrates the best of cognac and gastronomy.
With L’Atelier 1715, Maison Martell continues its legacy of blending tradition with innovation, offering modern connoisseurs an opportunity to engage with the world of cognac in a way that has never been done before.
