Like all great stories, ‘How Helio Happened’ is a love story. A shared love of the great Chardonnays of the world.  And the drive to make one. Matt Kirby and Dave Nash met whilst Dave and his crew were filming ‘A Seat at the Table’, a film that (spoiler alert) highlights New Zealand’s unique ability to grow and make world class Chardonnay. 

Matt and his much better half (and love of his life), Sarah Little, also a winemaker formally at Felton Road had been in love with the idea of producing their own wine brand for many years.  As these stories always go, one thing led to another and over a glass of Chardonnay or two the idea that the trio would start a wine brand was born.

A raw ruby tone in the glass that’s quite enthralling to look at. The aromatics are quintessential Martinborough, fresh Doris plum, bramble and dark berries give way to a savoury spiced layer of herbs and dusted crumble ready to be baked. The fruit profile is matched on the palate with incredibly fine, dusty tannins that give the wine a very Burgundian feel, no doubt from it’s Able Clone roots. Baked berry slice, Doris plum and a full spectrum of savoury spice make a complete wine. The toasted, spice finish shifts through stages with a consistent texture from those fine dusty tannins that linger for a long time.