Jean-Noël Haton is based in Damery, west of Épernay, on the right bank of the Marne. The house was founded in 1928 by Octave Haton, one of the pioneers of estate bottling in Damery. The family has been at home there far longer, though: as early as 1610 a Nicolas Haton was tending vines in Damery. Under René Haton, the founder's heir, the house enjoyed a real upswing in the 1970s. Jean-Noël Haton has run the estate since 1971, with his son Sébastien supporting him in the cellar, and the grandsons Baptiste and Rémi now involved too.
Haton sees itself as an independent family business with its own vineyards. The family sources grapes from 110 hectares and owns 20 hectares of vines itself. Father and son rely on traditional work: soil care, controlled yields, the best possible ripeness and parcel-by-parcel vinification. A newer cuverie allows the crus to be vinified separately and part of the reserve wines to age in oak.
The range is broad. The Excellence line includes Classic Brut, Réserve Brut, Rosé Brut and Rich Demi-Sec. The Élégance line comprises Blanc de Blancs, Pure Zéro Dosage and the vintage champagne Noble Vintage. Above these sits the Extra Grand Cru range. The Classic is a blanc de noirs made from 60% Pinot Meunier and 40% Pinot Noir. The Réserve combines all three grape varieties and ages for three years. By its own account the house sells around 950,000 bottles a year and has a strong presence in French restaurants.
