Domaine Hélicon was established in 2018 near Martigné-Briand in the Maine-et-Loire department in western France when Constantin Vellis chose to embrace his lifelong passion: viticulture.
The winemaker cultivates just under two hectares of Chenin vines. Well aware of current environmental concerns and committed to protecting biodiversity, the winemaker applies strict organic growing practices in both vineyard and winery. He believes that respecting the soils is essential to the healthy development of quality fruit and the production of exceptional cuvées. Each parcel cultivated according to its unique needs to preserve its distinctive character.
Unsurprisingly, vinification involves very little intervention, and sulphur is added in minute quantities to allow the fruit to fully express all its aromas and flavours. The whites ferment in oak and acacia barriques, without racking.
The estate’s goal is to create authentic, aromatic, living wines that perfectly reflect the grape varieties and the remarkable terroir of the Loire. Though still very young, the estate has quickly risen among the region’s most sought-after wines, making them extremely difficult to source today.