Jean Noel Haton Intense Grand Cru Champagne

This Champagne comes from the prestigious Marne Valley in Champagne, France, particularly from Grand Cru villages such as Bouzy, Ambonnay, and Avize. The Marne Valley is renowned for its chalky, calcareous soils that impart a mineral character to the wine, combined with the continental climate that allows the grapes to achieve perfect ripeness while maintaining a fresh, crisp acidity. Jean Noel Haton, a family-run house dating back to 1928, has a deep-rooted connection to the region, managing 25 hectares of vineyards across some of Champagne's most esteemed terroirs​.

The Intense Grand Cru Champagne is a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, combining the elegance and freshness of Chardonnay with the power and structure of Pinot Noir. This cuvée is crafted to embody both intensity and finesse, showcasing the best qualities of both grape varieties while emphasising the terroir's expression​.

The wine undergoes a traditional Champagne method with manual harvests and whole-bunch pressing. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, with malolactic fermentation enhancing the wine's smoothness. After fermentation, the wine undergoes at least six years of aging on its lees in the bottle to develop complexity and depth. The use of natural yeast and minimal intervention ensures the purity of the wine, which is then lightly dosed with sugar to preserve its natural balance​.

Jean Noel Haton Intense Grand Cru Champagne reveals an elegant and complex nose, with fresh aromas of redcurrant, peach, apricot, and citrus fruits like grapefruit and orange. These fruity notes are complemented by a touch of spice and subtle dried flowers. On the palate, it is refreshing and generous, with a crisp, clean finish.

This Champagne pairs beautifully with seafood, such as lobster or oysters, as well as light white meats, including roast chicken or turkey. Its crispness also makes it an excellent aperitif, and it works well with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert​. Serve it chilled at around 8-10°C.