HECHT & BANNIER
Country: France Region: South of France Hecht & Bannier
Formed in 2002, Hecht et Bannier produces wines that are reference points for the Roussillon, Languedoc and Provence. Founders Gregory Hecht and François Bannier note: "To conserve the typical Mediterranean strength in our wines while preserving balance and crispness, this is our mantra for all the appellations we produce." This cutting-edge firm is one of the south's most exciting projects in recent memory, and promises to be a formidable player with dramatic impact in the region.

Hecht & Bannier is at the forefront of a revolution in quality in the diverse appellations of Roussillon, Languedoc and Provence. From Côtes du Roussillon Villages to Languedoc Red to Côtes de Provence Rosé, each of Hecht & Bannier's wines is typically based on 5-10 different parcels found to be of exceptional quality. These blends are then vinified and bottled to best represent each appellation in the range.

All Hecht & Bannier crus are aged for two years in large, traditional "Demi Muids" (600L) wood barrels that insure preservation of fruit quality and impart "resistance" to the wines allowing them to age well. A portion of each wine is aged in neutral concrete vats to focus the expression of fruit and appellation.

The Wine Advocate June 30th, 2011, noted: "Gregory Hecht and François Bannier's are living up to the challenge they set themselves, namely to render, as négociants...wines that can stand comparison with those of each respective appellation's top estates."