Rémy Martin stands as the world’s second-largest cognac producer and the only major house exclusively crafting Fine Champagne cognac—a prestigious designation requiring at least 50% Grande Champagne and 50% Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie, cognac’s two finest crus. Founded in 1724 by winegrower Rémy Martin in Cognac, France, and now owned by Rémy Cointreau Group, the house revolutionized cognac with its 1817 creation of “VSOP” (Very Superior Old Pale) for Britain’s King George IV—a term that became the industry standard.
What distinguishes Rémy Martin from Hennessy, Martell, and Courvoisier is its unwavering 100% Fine Champagne commitment: from the accessible VS ($40) to the legendary Louis XIII ($3,000-5,000)—a blend of 1,200 eaux-de-vie aged 40-100 years—every bottle contains exclusively Grande and Petite Champagne terroirs. This terroir purity delivers Rémy Martin’s signature smooth, fruity, and floral profile, crowned by its iconic Centaur logo symbolizing founder Rémy Martin’s Sagittarius sign.
This complete guide explores Rémy Martin’s 300-year mastery, Fine Champagne excellence, iconic bottles (VSOP, XO, Louis XIII), and unique position as the cognac world’s terroir purist and innovation pioneer.
Remy Martin identity
Remy Martin : ID card
- Brand name: Rémy Martin
- Company: Rémy Cointreau
- Founded: 1724
- CEO: Jean-Philippe Hecquet
- Head office: Rue Joseph Pataa, 16100 Cognac, France
- SIRET: 775 563 323 00010
- Turnover: 521 millions € (2022)
- Maitre de chai: Baptiste Loiseau
The logo adorns the bottles and cases, featuring a captivating twist: a centaur inspired by Sagittarius, Remy Martin’s zodiac sign.
The distinctive Remy Martin emblem remains intact; in China, it goes by the name “réntóumă”, an intriguing interpretation meaning “man-headed horse”.
Remy Martin history
The founders of Remy Martin cognac
The origins of Remy Martin can be traced back to its namesake, the company’s founder, who was born in 1695 near Rouillac.
With a background as a vintner, he established a cognac trading house in 1724, laying the foundation for the brand’s legacy. Following his passing in 1773, his grandson, who shared the same name, Rémy, inherited the business.
Fast forward to 1841, when Paul-Emile-Rémy Martin assumed leadership, steering the company toward tremendous growth and prosperity. He exports the brand and his cognacs beyond European borders to the US, Asia, and the Pacific.
The fame of Remy Martin cognac in the 20th century
During the interwar period, a dynamic shift occurred as André Renaud, a lawyer and merchant, a partner at E. Rémy Martin & Co. since 1910, assumed a prominent role: in 1927, he introduced the world to the exquisite VSOP Fine Champagne cognac, catapulting Rémy Martin’s reputation to a global scale.
The brand’s cognacs gained widespread popularity, finding their way into the hands of connoisseurs worldwide.
Following World War II, the remarkable ascent of Rémy Martin continued under the leadership of André Hériard-Dubreuil, who happened to be André Renaud’s son-in-law. He stepped into the role of president, guiding the company toward further success: he founded the Fine Champagne Alliance.
Notably, his children, including Dominique Hériard-Dubreuil, joined the ranks, with Dominique assuming the general manager position in 1988 and later becoming the president just two years later.
In 1991, Rémy Martin solidified its position by incorporating Rémy Cointreau into its business, further strengthening its presence in the cognac industry.
The Remy Martin productions process and expertise
Rémy Martin’s cognacs proudly bear the prestigious Cognac Fine Champagne appellation, signifying that they are exclusively crafted from a blend of eaux-de-vie sourced from the esteemed Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus, with a minimum of 50% coming from the Grande Champagne region.
These cognacs, nurtured by chalky soils, possess exceptional aging potential and distinctive aromas derived from their terroir. Rémy Martin produces over 80% of Fine Champagne cognacs, solidifying its position as a true purveyor of excellence.
True facts
Rémy Martin VSOP is the first VSOP Fine Champagne ever created.
Rémy Martin adheres to traditional distillation methods, carefully utilizing small copper stills to distill the lees (sediments from grape fermentation). The aging process occurs in Limousin oak barrels, where the eaux-de-vie undergoes a captivating transformation. The eau-de-vie evolves, guided by rest periods and transitions between different barrels.
This process ensures a harmonious interplay of wood, oxygen, and eaux-de-vie, fostering constant exchange and refinement.
Depending on the desired style, cognac can mature in young or old oak barrels, each possessing unique characteristics attributed to the grain of the staves. The most aged cognacs may find their sanctuary in glass demi-johns, also known as “Dame-Jeanne“, offering protection against excessive evaporation.
Finally, the expertise of Rémy Martin’s artisans comes to fruition as they expertly blend spirits of various ages, skillfully crafting a harmonious cognac that embodies the House’s distinct character.
Steering the artistic process as the Cellar Master is Baptiste Loiseau, who assumed the esteemed role in 2014, upholding the legacy of excellence and craftsmanship that defines Rémy Martin.
Remy Martin’s cognac bottles
Remy Martin has a selection of cognac products that cater to a broad spectrum of preferences and budgets, ranging from the renowned VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) to the exquisite XO (Extra Old).
Rémy Martin ensures a cognac that suits every discerning palate, whether seeking a vibrant and approachable experience or indulging in the richness of aged perfection.
Here are the cognacs produced by Remy Martin:
- Rémy Martin VS
- Rémy Martin VSOP
- Rémy Martin XO
- Rémy Martin 1738 accord royal
- Rémy Martin Tercet
- Rémy Martin Club
- Rémy Martin Louis XIII
The cognac brand regularly creates limited edition cognacs (Cellar Master Selection, Mixtape Volume 3, Gift collection…).
Funny facts
The famous bottle of Louis XIII cognac was initially made up of precious Baccarat crystals.
Remy Martin commercials
Famous cognac brands always have ambassadors to promote and make the brand shine thru the world. Rémy Martin cognac is no exception to the rule and has built a fruitful partnership with entertainment and sports personalities such as Usher and Serena Williams in great commercials :
Remy Martin’s website
Remy Martin’s website showcases a seamless blend of elegance, sophistication, and functionality, perfectly capturing the essence of this esteemed cognac producer. With a color palette of predominantly black, white, and gold, the website exudes luxury and opulence with great photos and amazing videos!
Navigation is simple, based on scrolling, guiding visitors through the website’s main sections. From exploring the diverse range of cognac products to immersing oneself in the Remy Martin know-how, knowledge, and news, every corner of the site is easily accessible.
Moreover, the website delves into cognac cocktails, providing a super database with exciting recipes that cater to casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.
Additionally, Remy Martin cognac highlights its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, showcasing the company’s values and dedication to making a positive impact.
Finally, Remy’s Website provides a vast section for his teams and people who work and build the company’s essence; Remy cognac shares values of excellence and collaboration.
The website’s content is engaging, captivating, and appealing to many audiences. The data is thoughtfully organized, ensuring ease of reading and comprehension, while the high-quality images beautifully showcase the exquisite cognac products.
Overall, the website captivates visitors with its impeccable design, user-friendly interface, and informative content. It serves as a fitting digital representation of the brand’s commitment to excellence and offers an immersive experience for cognac enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
Frequently asked questions about Rémy Martin
Sip it neat, enjoy it on the rocks, or shake it into classic cocktails like the Mata Hari.
From about $50 for a VS to $1000+ for premium releases. Limited editions and rare blends can command even higher prices.
Pronounced ‘ʁemi maʁtɛ̃’, delightfully French and unmistakable.
Rémy Martin, proudly from Cognac, France, stands among the iconic cognac houses (Martell, Courvoisier and Hennessy).
Soda, ginger ale, tonic and lemon juice are excellent mixers.
Born in the Cognac region of France, Rémy Martin is authentic Cognac: premium craftsmanship and top quality.
Rémy Martin has been part of the Rémy Cointreau family since 1991.
