  We investigate theoretically the wetting properties of cholesteric liquid
crystals at a planar substrate. If the properties of substrate and of the
interface are such that the cholesteric layers are not distorted the wetting
properties are similar to those of a nematic liquid crystal. If, on the other
hand, the anchoring conditions force the distortion of the liquid crystal
layers the wetting properties are altered, the free cholesteric-isotropic
interface is non-planar and there is a layer of topological defects close to
the substrate. These deformations can either promote or hinder the wetting of
the substrate by a cholesteric, depending on the properties of the cholesteric
liquid crystal.
