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Martell XO Architect Edition by Christian de Portzamparc |
Martell XO Architect Edition by Christian de Portzamparc will make its debut in Hong Kong International Airport this month – the first Architect Edition Cognac to be released in travel retail.
Designed by one of the world’s greatest architects to pay tribute to Martell XO Cognac, the contemporary piece will also be available in Macau and Taiwan Taoyuan Airport duty free stores in December 2012 for the key gifting season, and in Kuala Lumpur International Airport duty free stores from April to May 2013.
The limited edition continues previous partnerships between Martell and major architects aimed at creating innovative packaging and bottles.
The Martell XO Architect Edition by Christian de Portzamparc includes a striking gift case that captures the light and uses the Cognac’s mahogany sheen to create a diffused glow.
The Martell XO bottle has been reinterpreted to feature a gold bottle neck and cork and gold metal label. Heightening its exclusivity, only 2,550 bottles will be available in Asia duty free.
Pernod Ricard Asia Duty Free Senior Brand Manager Sandrine Tesniere said: “The Martell XO Architect Edition by Christian de Portzamparc is truly exceptional; a gift of rare prestige and beauty which we are delighted to offer travellers in Asia duty free. We are excited to support a further example of Martell’s ongoing partnership with modern architecture and design, and fully expect consumers to be as enthralled by the project as we are.”
Martell XO tasting notes
This blend includes eaux-de-vie from Martell’s four main terroirs, but is marked by a subtle balance between the elegance and roundness of the old Borderies eaux-de-vie and the structure of those from Grande Champagne. XO stands for extra old and denotes Cognacs made from old eaux-de-vie.
The XO is a coppery, golden amber, with mahogany highlights. On the nose are aromas of ground spices: black pepper, coriander, pink berries. A complex fruity bouquet of chutney, almonds, walnuts and fig compote. Beeswax and sandalwood mingle in smooth, sweet notes.
In the mouth, the fig and walnut notes are round and fruity on the palate, followed by the characteristic strength and finesse of Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie. A lingering, silky finish.
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The gift case captures the light and uses the Cognac’s mahogany sheen to create a diffused glow |
About Christian de Portzamparc
Renowned French architect and urban planner, Christian de Portzamparc is a winner of the Pritzker prize (the architectural equivalent to the Noble Prize) and has designed many major buildings and facilities in his artistic style.
These buildings include: Bastille Opera in Paris, The Philharmony in Luxemburg, Cidade da Musica in Rio de Janeiro.
His style is known for being bold, sculptural and vertical, marked by distinctive prismatic forms. He studied at the School of Beaux Arts in Paris and is also a talented painter.
Previous Martell partnerships in the architecture and design spheres include the Martell Amber Lamp by Jean Nouvel, who is also a Pritzker Prize winner, and the Martell XO limited edition by Paul Andreu, architect of the Beijing Opera House.
