Martell® Cognac Establishes "Martell Icons Of Caractere" Program, Celebrating True Men Of Character

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Martell® Caractere, the newest spirit from the prestigious House of Cognac founded in 1715, announces the establishment of the Martell Icons of Caractere program. The program comprises contemporary community figures, known as Icons, who promote exceptional stories of character. The range of Icons provides mentorship across a variety of verticals – including entertainment, business, cuisine and the arts. Each Icon will share their personal story of character on Martell.com and Facebook.com/MartellCaractere.  

The program kicked off last night at a private event in LA with an exclusive viewing of a short film made in collaboration between actor and filmmaker Andy Garcia and Martell Caractere. The film showcases the relationship between Mambo music pioneer Israel "Cachao" Lopez and Garcia, and how one icon of character inspired another. "Cachao took me in not only as a musical protege, but really as an extended member of his family. As a musician, the majority of what I know comes from him," says Garcia.

"Martell founder Jean Martell was notorious for his strength of character, and that essence is reflected in the refined blend and elegant taste of his cognacs," says Wayne Hartunian, VP of Scotch and Cognac, Pernod Ricard USA. "The Martell Icons of Caractere program is designed to be another extension of Martell's daring spirit, with each Icon shaping his own personal legacy."

Also announced at the private event was the next Martell Icon of Caractere, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Gustavo Galindo. Galindo was born to a Mexican father and Irish/Scottish/French mother in Mexico City, and moved to California at an early age. His bi-cultural background has led to globally-influenced music, and a unique character that has become a force to reckon with in the music industry. Galindo is the first of many Icons who will be revealed throughout the program.

"Looking back, I can attribute a lot of my success to men of exceptional character – from my father, who taught me to play guitar, to my soccer coaches, who taught me about team work and discipline, and of course, several world-renowned musicians who I admire, and have inspired me throughout my career," says Gustavo Galindo. "They all embody for me the true definition of the authentic passion and tenacity that Martell stands for. It's an honor to be named one of Martell's Icons of Caractere."

Martell Caractere made its debut in fall 2013, and is rooted in the approaching 300-year-old Martell Method, a unique distillation process passed down from Jean Martell himself. It is created using grapes sourced from Martell's own vineyards in the Domaine Jean Martell, distilled twice without lees and aged in fine-grain oak barrels. The Martell Cellar Master, Benoit Fil, combines a distinctive blend of two types of eaux-de-vie, the essential components of cognac. The result is a refined blend of elegant taste, revealing a generous character and subtle fruity notes that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in the finest cocktails. Martell Caractere's distinct tasting notes of citrus, tangerine peel, cinnamon and clove provide superb structure.

In addition to learning more about Martell Caractere, the Martell Icons of Caractere program and following Galindo's story, consumers are invited to visit Facebook.com/MartellCaractere to submit their own stories of character for a chance to win a once in a lifetime trip for the winner and a guest to travel to Cognac, France to visit the home of Martell Caractere, among other prizes.

Savor the unique harmony of boldness and refinement of Martell Caractere on the rocks, or with our signature recipes:

• Agua Frances
  Enjoy the refined flavor of Martell Caractere with a sparkle of club soda and lemon on the rocks.

• Twilight Rising
  Taste an elevated tropical evening with Martell Caractere over pineapple juice, cola and ice.

• Martarita
  Electrify your senses with an unexpected twist on a classic. Martell Caractere shaken with agave nectar, fresh lime juice and orange juice over rocks.

Martell Caractere is available for a suggested retail price of $34.99.

Enjoy our Quality Responsibly. MARTELL® Caractere. Cognac. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof) ©2014 Imported by Martell & Co., Purchase, NY

About Pernod Ricard USA®
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, which employs more than 18,000 people worldwide and is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI).

The company's leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlua® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avion™ Tequila (through a joint venture with Tequila Avion); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouet® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.

About Martell
Martell is the oldest of the major Cognac Houses and was founded in 1715 in the French Charente region by Jean Martell. Its unique reputation, both within France and beyond, rests upon its rich heritage, together with the skill and creativity that Martell continuously strives to hone. The House's founding principles are based on the pursuit of perfection, which Jean Martell made his motto. This standard has been the House of Martell's inspiration ever since. To this day, it lies at the heart of every cognac it has created. Martell is the international leader in the XO category.

SOURCE Martell