Martell Fine Champagne V.S.O.P. MEDAILLON Cognac NV 40% vol. 500ml 'old release from the 1970s'

Martell Fine Champagne V.S.O.P. MÉDAILLON Cognac – Old release from the 1970s

1. Introduction and Producer

The Martell Fine Champagne V.S.O.P. MÉDAILLON is an iconic cognac creation from the House of Martell. Bottles from the 1970s are now rare collector’s items that regularly attract keen interest from connoisseurs and at auctions.

The House of Martell looks back on a history spanning over 300 years. It was founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, who was born on the island of Jersey and settled on the banks of the Charente. Martell is one of the ‘Big Four’ cognac houses – alongside Rémy Martin, Hennessy and Courvoisier. A characteristic feature of Martell is the high proportion of eaux-de-vie from the Borderies region, which lend the cognac a toasty, nutty flavour.

The designation ‘V.S.O.P.’ (Very Superior Old Pale) denotes a cognac that has been aged for an extended period in oak casks. Martell launchedthe Médaillon as its classic VSOP – a cuvée that remains the heart and soul of the house to this day.

2. The product: Martell V.S.O.P. MÉDAILLON Fine Champagne (1970s)

2.1 Designation and bottling

This bottling is an ‘old release’ bottle from the 1970s. The name ‘MÉDAILLON’ (French for ‘medal’) refers to the round, medallion-like shape of the label. The term ‘Fine Champagne’ denotes a blend consisting exclusively of cognacs from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne regions – which isunusual for Martell , as most of the house’s cuvées focus on the Borderies region.

The bottle has been bottled in various sizes, including 70 cl, 73 cl, 75 cl and 1 litre. Some bottlings were produced for the UK market and feature the English spelling ‘Medallion’ instead of the French ‘Médaillon’.

2.2 Technical data

2.3 Bottle and label design

The bottles from the 1970s display design features characteristic of that era:

• Long-necked ‘Paillarde’ bottle shape

• Round, medallion-shaped label bearing the inscription ‘Martell Fondée en 1715’ and ‘Fine Champagne Cognac’

• Cork stopper – often brittle in older bottles

• Some are availablein their original presentation box

• On some bottlings: wax seal on the shoulder or neck

The condition of the label and packaging varies greatly among contemporary examples – this is a natural effect of ageing and is accepted by collectors.

3. Sensory description

As this is a bottling that isnow over 45 years old , the sensory characteristics may depend on the specific condition of the bottle. In general, however, Martell V.S.O.P. Médaillon Fine Champagne from this era can be characterised as follows:

3.1 Appearance

The colour is describedas light amber to golden yellow. In older bottlings, a deeper, more intense amber hue may develop as a result of the long period of bottle ageing .

3.2 Nose

The bouquet of these old-release bottlings is complex and multi-layered. Descriptions from tastings include:

• vanilla and toasty notes

• Orange aromas and sweet, roasted nuances

• Raisins, plums and spring forest notes of oak and hazelnut

• Caramelised dried fruit and plums

Martell’s Borderies eaux-de-vie lend the cognac a characteristic toasty nuttiness.

3.3 Palate

On the palate, the cognac is lively, fruity and well-balanced. The flavour notes include:

• Light hints of cinnamon and cardamom

• Subtle notes of ripe fruit, delicate spices and vanilla

• A smooth, velvety texture that gently caresses the palate

Its complexity is describedas a ‘well-orchestrated symphony of flavours’.

3.4 Finish

The finish is long-lasting with a hint of toffee. The combination of fruitiness, spice and gentle sweetness makes this cognac a smooth and refined tasting experience.

Important note: For bottles from the 1970s , the flavour may vary from bottle to bottle due to prolonged ageing . Older bottles may contain sediment, and there may be cork taint, oxidation or other age-related faults. The cork may become brittle over the decades.

4. Special features of the Fine Champagne bottling

The Fine Champagne classification is a distinctive feature at Martell . Whilst the house traditionally uses a high proportion of Borderies eaux-de-vie, the Médaillon Fine Champagne consists exclusively of cognacs from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne regions . This gives the cognac a different style to the regular Martell VSOP cuvées – with greater elegance, finesse and floral notes typical of the Champagne crus.

The ageing period in oak barrels and the blend from the four finest growing regions (Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies and Fins Bois) define the character of the Médaillon.

5. Collectors’ value and market situation

5.1 Rarity

The 1970s bottling of Martell Médaillon VSOP is now describedas a ‘rare collectible’. It is regarded as a ‘liquid time capsule’ that offers an insight into the house’s historical style.

5.2 Price Indications (Auction Results & Offers)

Prices vary considerably depending on condition, fill level, label quality and whether the original packaging is present.

5.3 Special notes for collectors

• Corks age: Over the decades, the cork becomes brittle and may shatter when opened. Experts recommend using an ‘Ah So’ corkscrew.

• Liquid level is a key indicator of quality – ‘Middle Shoulder’ is considered acceptable

• Labels may show signs of wear and tear due to their age

• Wax seals may break during dispatch

• Noguarantee can be givenas to the drinkability of bottles this old

6. Conclusion

The Martell Fine Champagne V.S.O.P. MÉDAILLON from the 1970s is a fascinating historical artefact of cognac culture and a highly sought-after collector’s item. It embodies the classic style of the House of Martell from an era in which the packaging design and the recipe were still shaped by decades of tradition.

The distinctive nature of the Fine Champagne classification makes this bottling a rarity in the Martell portfolio, as the house is otherwise known for its high proportion of Borderies cognac . The aromas of vanilla, ripe fruit, delicate spices and toasty nutty notes make this cognac a delightful experience for connoisseurs.

Anyone purchasing a bottle of this rarity should be aware of the special care required when handling the delicate cork and, ideally, use a specialised tool. The bottle is not merely a drink, but a piece of cognac history – a legacy from the heyday of the French cognac trade in the 1970s.