Why it matters
The producer
Time is part of Champagne Jean-Noël Haton's cellar work. The house allows aromas time to settle and effervescence time to mature, treating patience as part of how its wines are made.
Based in Damery in the Marne Valley, the house maintains state of the art buildings with rows of new temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Stainless steel vats keep fermentation temperatures stable and can preserve fresh fruit character while the wine develops.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Damery places Haton in the Marne Valley of Champagne. In sparkling wine production, time after fermentation allows bubbles to become more integrated and aromas to broaden. Haton's approach gives this stage room, allowing the effervescence to mature alongside the aromas.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
Haton has 60 hectares of vineyards, of which 45 are owned. The cellar contains numerous temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Stainless steel provides a stable fermentation environment, while extended ageing allows aromatic development and a more mature mousse.
Wines to know
The range in view
Brut Classic, Brut Réserve, and Brut Rosé make up the documented trio. Brut Classic is made from Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Brut Réserve ages for at least 3 years, and Brut Rosé follows the same minimum ageing period. The range moves from a two grape Brut to a reserve cuvée and a rosé, with ageing period and colour changing between the bottles.
Brut Réserve is bright straw yellow, with fine, abundant bubbles. Its nose develops white peach, citrus, and orange blossom, followed by hazelnut and sweet spice. The palate is full and generous, echoing the fresh fruit aromas before finishing with a complex aftertaste.