martell cognac reveals new limited edition in a sculptural case by bernar venet

martell cognac reveals new limited edition in a sculptural case by bernar venet
the timeless design comprises metal arcs divided into three clusters, referencing the brand’s 300 year anniversary

martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses, celebrates their landmark 300th anniversary with the release of ‘martell premier voyage’, encased in a sculptural artwork designed by french artist bernar venet. venet was invited to lend his distinctive, minimalist style to both the bottle and its encasement by creating a conceptual artwork in which to house the precious cognac product. the timeless design comprises metal arcs which are divided into three clusters, numerically referencing the brand’s 300 year anniversary. these beams shelter a simple and elegant teardrop-shaped crystal decanter, striking a juxtaposition between the undulating shape of the bottle and the powerful energy which emanates from the cor-ten® steel arcs. the finished project demonstrates the union between tradition and modern visionary spirit.

additionally, the bottle and its base are literally inseparable — the blend can only be drawn from the sculpture with a fusil, a special pipette used by the cellar master to extract and taste eaux-de-vie from the barrels. only 300 pieces of this unique new blend are available worldwide. priced at €10,000 per bottle, each creation will be individually signed, numbered and produced to order, encapsulating the excellence and creativity for which the house of martell stands.
the blend can only be drawn from the sculpture with a fusil, a special pipette

designboom spoke with venet about his aesthetic resources for the project, the materials he used and his experience working with the celebrated luxury brand. 

DB: the language used in this piece, is it similar to the characteristics you’ve used in other other artworks?

BV: precisely, yes. in fact, these are the exact same configurations of the sculptures I’ve exhibited in versailles in 2011. I wanted to pay homage to martell, and the fact that they have been very involved in sponsoring exhibitions and events there. also there is an interesting story about this cognac — the product that is in this bottle is a perfect copy of the cognac that was curated the year that louis XIV died. so I thought this was statistically a way to frame the bottle, which I designed also. the three arc clusters represent the three centuries that we are celebrating. this also allowed me to find a triangular shape in which to put the bottle. there are so many parallels between versailles, the birthplace of art de vivre, and martell and with what I do.

DB: the arcs, what do then mean for you?

BV: in general, someone who knows my work would understand that this is a very typical typology for me, and I’ve been working on for many years. I use lines — straight, curved, arcs or even indeterminate — so I have all those variations, but the arcs are mainly what I’m doing overall. to include a bottle in with the themes that I’m usually working with was the perfect idea — to frame the cognac, to give it another dimension somehow. I’m actually working on another piece right now, its 75 feet tall and its like the sculptural case for martell, but with only one arc.

the distinctive blend pays homage to the brand’s legacy and history

DB: the metal material is rusty, as if it has been exposed to the elements for a long time. can you tell us about this choice in medium?

BV: at the start, I wasn’t actually convinced I should keep the material rusty for a product like martell cognac, which is a luxury brand. I thought I should find a material that would be more glamorous. but it was the team at martell who considered this rusty variation, which was eventually selected. this is one item, and another that has a sort of black patina on it, which I have a tendency to prefer myself because it is a little bit more adaptable to the the luxury quality of the product.

cellar master benoît fil returned to martell’s roots to create the unique new blend

in celebration of the house’s tricentenary, cellar master benoît fil returned to martell’s roots to create ‘martell premier voyage’ — a unique new blend containing 18 eaux‑de‑vie from martell’s cellars. using jean martell’s original correspondence, fil pieced together a map of the product’s key suppliers from 1735-1742 and began to retrace his footsteps 300 years on. after crafting the blend and then ageing in barrels made from the oak of a 300 year-old tree, martell premier voyage was born; an exceptional and distinctive blend, paying homage to the brand’s legacy and history.

‘the desire was to create a blend that reflected the journey and history of jean martell.’ fil explains ‘we had access in our archives to the exact geographical locations that he went to. therefore, we were able to visit the descendants of these winegrowers who today create the best quality eaux-de-vie. martell premier voyage takes the best things from the past of cognac and jean martell’s vision, and makes them something that we can enjoy today. this new blend truly captures three centuries of martell turning cognac into art.’

french artist bernar venet with the sculptural encasement he designed for martell

regarding its taste, the nose of ‘martell premier voyage’ initially presents generous notes of candied orange peel, blackcurrant, honey and gingerbread. swirling reveals subtle notes of old walnuts combined with flavors of dried fruit, apricots and raisins. on the palate the attack is both full and delicate, with aromas of candied fruit still discernible. ‘martell premier voyage’ then develops a hint of blackcurrant, providing a perfect complement to an aromatic range and underpinning a long finish in which spice and beeswax come to the forefront.

designboom editor-in chief birgit lohmann with bernar venet, in conversation about his work with martell cognac

martell premier voyage will be released in UK retailers in early february 2015 to mark the start of martell cognac’s year long tricentenary celebrations. please visit martell.com and martellveryspecialnights.com for further information.

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