Azerbaijani wine: history in brief, features and producers

One of the largest countries in the Transcaucasus is home to many decent wines with unique flavor characteristics.

Considering that local winemaking is at least five thousand years old (and according to some sources, seven thousand years old), it becomes clear why Azerbaijani drinks are so popular.

It is noteworthy that most of the local grape varieties come from wild vines that have been skillfully cultivated and distributed throughout the country.

A little bit of history

The dawn of industrial winemaking in Azerbaijan is associated with the opening of the first large winery in the XIX century.

By the beginning of the twentieth century, the production of local cognacs began. Christopher Forer and Christian Hummel were at the origins of both enterprises.

The introduction of Prohibition at the end of the twentieth century slowed down the development of the industry for a while, which never fully recovered, although it did achieve high levels of production.

Wine-growing areas

Each region of the country, depending on climatic conditions and local traditions, grows certain types of raw materials and produces its own versions of alcoholic beverages.

The most famous products are from the following wine regions:

1. Apsheron Peninsula

   One of the most fertile areas. More than 50 grape varieties are cultivated here, growing directly on the sands in a creeping form.

   Thanks to the sea wind, the vines are protected from most diseases.

   Mostly fruits with high sugar content are grown in Apsheron, in particular, various varieties of "shana".

2. Shemakha district

   Another large wine region with a favorable climate and a variety of grape varieties.

   Harmonious Shemakha drinks have become famous far beyond the borders of the country.

   In addition, there are many small wineries in the region that produce products in accordance with local traditions.

3. Ismailinsky district

   The most famous is the village of Ivanivka, where the unique red variety Madras grows, which cannot be found in any other region of the world.

   It has a high sugar content and a special vitamin and mineral composition that gives the wine a rich flavor.

4. Gabala district

   Grapes are grown here in the foothills, which provides the drinks with a complex, deep bouquet and soft, velvety taste.

5. Ganja

   Wine production technologies in this region were formed on the basis of local traditions under the active German influence.

   In the city of Ganja, there is a "School of Viticulture" where future winemakers are trained.

6. In the cities of Geigel, Gazakh and Shamkir

   The first wineries and cognac production were established in the cities that are the administrative centers of the respective districts.

   Locally produced drinks were popular in Europe and at the Russian royal court.

7. Geokchai and Aghdam districts

   Known for an unusual technology of growing grapes: vines cling to tall trees.

   Mostly white varieties are cultivated here for simple table wines.

8. Nagorno-Karabakh

   Specializes in the cultivation of the indigenous red variety Hindogni.

   Its wines are powerful, bright, with intense color and a noble bouquet.

Large producers and the best wines

Among the wineries, the largest are:

1. OJSC "Ganja Sharab-2".

2. "Agro-Azerinvest" LLC.

3. OJSC "Baki-Shyarab-1".

4. LLC "Azeri-France".

5. Sherg-Ulduzu winery.

6. "Tovuz-Baltic".

7. "ASPI AGRO" LTD

The following wines are the most famous:

1. Red wines: Hindoghni, Madrasa, Shirvan, Shemakha, Gabala, Aktafa, Gobustan, Karabakh.

2. Whites: Sadili, Shemakha, Aghdam, Mil, Kara-Chanah, Aqstafa, Alabashli, Ag-Sufre.

3. Rosé: Al-Sharab, Hadrut.

In addition, Azerbaijan produces a rare pomegranate wine.

The industrial production of this drink in the country began relatively recently, although it has been produced at home for a long time.

The drink can be sweet and semi-sweet. Of the brands, the most popular are "Agsu" and "Golden Baku".

Update: 13.09.2018

Category: Wine and Vermouth