Real gourmets are really versed in wine and can recommend a specific drink for every meal. The presence of alcohol on the table does not at all indicate the painful addictions of the owner of the house, but emphasizes his taste. They don’t drink good alcohol in one gulp. They enjoy it - both taste and aroma. The wine of Azerbaijan is affordable and very interesting in taste. Gourmets will appreciate and will be able to afford such a wine at least every day if desired.
Truth in wine
Azerbaijani wine is a refined and time-tested drink. Holidays of Russians cannot do without it. Only the type of wine changes, its taste and strength. A quality drink pleases with a variety of taste sensations. At the same time, taste reflects many factors, from the recipe and production method to the quality of grapes and the aging time. Azerbaijani wines are grown from the fruits of vineyards, with a total area of 65.5 thousand hectares. And in the country as many as 32 factories for the production of alcohol. Of these, 20 have their own vineyards. The quality and taste of fruits are influenced by the climatic conditions of the country in which 10 natural and economic zones can be distinguished. The relief of the country is complex and in each section the grapes are saturated differently with the sun and moisture.
Art in the country
The oldest agricultural industry in the country is viticulture. This can be seen from the numerous finds of archaeologists and references to the authors of antiquity. True, it is noted there that part of the varieties of Azerbaijani grapes is the result of natural selection of wild grapes. There is also a monument to winemaking in the country. This is a jug-kup, which was found with grape seeds inside and deposits of tartar on the walls.
For some time, the wine-making tradition was interrupted due to the adoption of Islam and the ban on the consumption of wine. At this time, the grapes were eaten fresh or put on molasses and dried. In modern times, viticulture revived along with the activities of German colonists.
Ancestors of tradition
Azerbaijani wine owes its appearance to the brothers Foreram and brothers Hummel, who laid the first vineyards in 1860. By the way, it was the Forers who opened the first cognac factory in Azerbaijan, back in 1892. The wines and brandies of those years received awards at international exhibitions and 39 gold medals.
In the 19th century, viticulture developed thanks to foreign investment. The product range began to include more than 80 items, taking into account 20 brands of dry wines. Azerbaijani wine survived bad times in the era of the campaign to combat drunkenness and alcoholism. Then more than half of the vineyards were destroyed. Lost Azerbaijan could be restored only after independence. Today, part of the country's oil revenues is directed to the development of the industry in the country. Grape planting is expanding and new processing plants are being built. Viticulture is again a priority in the country and enjoys well-deserved love of residents of different countries. Azerbaijan is famous for the traditions of the industry, the individuality of its products, as well as the delicate aroma and velvety taste of wine.
With the right amount of fortress
For the Soviet Union, Azerbaijani fortified wine replaced a whole kaleidoscope of alcoholic beverages. Then it was relatively cheap and poured into a capacious container, which in the common people called "bombs". Dry and semi-dry wine produced at the Ganja Sharab-2 factory was a little more expensive. And, of course, we must not forget about the church wine "Shemakha" with a very interesting taste. The fame of fortified wines was not entirely good, because to reduce the cost of the finished product, cognac alcohol in the recipe was replaced with ordinary grain. And now people remember Akstaf port - one of the best varieties of strong white vintage wine. It has been manufactured since 1936 and was awarded four gold and five silver medals.
This taste is "Mattresses"!
For a good friendly gathering, nowadays, Azerbaijani wine "Mattress" with the characteristic taste of dried berries, bright tannins and a long, viscous aftertaste will be an actual choice. This is a red wine produced on the basis of the same grape variety. Fermentation goes on pulp with extraction. The finished drink acquires a ruby red color and has a rich taste of blackcurrant and wildflowers. The taste of Shiraz grape variety is also observed. The taste is tart, but very harmonious. He makes you think and dive into a bouquet of wine.
How in the country they drink wine
There are figures obtained from the report of the World Health Organization and confirming the fact that it is the Azerbaijanis who drink the least among Caucasians. The conclusion is based on facts: an adult uses about 2-3 liters of alcohol per year. For comparison, we can cite indicators for Belarus. Here this figure is equal to 17 liters of alcohol. For centuries, the tradition of wine drinking has developed in Azerbaijan. In this case, the main tradition in the country has always been moderation, since Azerbaijanis are not subject to such a vice as drunkenness. At the same time, they do not deny themselves and drink any alcohol, but in a very civilized and accurate manner. Azerbaijani wines have reason, communication and a festive mood. Reviews about them mainly have a positive color due to the pleasant and memorable taste, rich bouquet and delicate aroma of wines. Girls prefer options that are more original in composition, while men confidently choose fortified wines. Historians consider Azerbaijan a kind of capital of winemaking and the birthplace of an exclusive product. The small batch size is explained by the number of vines of grapes. The fake of such wines is almost ruled out.
Homemade drink
Women almost unanimously approve of the products of the Home Wine brand with a bewitching aroma and harmonious taste bouquet. In the line of flavors you can highlight semi-sweet red wine using the Saperavi and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties .
For a visit, the ideal Azerbaijani fortified white wine from the Rkatsiteli and Bayan-Shire grape varieties that grow in the foothills of the Goygol region. Connoisseurs of delicate aroma will surely approve of dry red "home" wine from varieties Madras and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Unique Taste Instance
Truly special can be called Azerbaijani wine "Chinar". The grape variety for its manufacture is also called the "Mattress", but it is grown in the Gokgol district. The product has a dark red tint and a clean taste. It harmonizes well with dessert dishes and shades the romantic atmosphere of a date. Among gourmets, this product enjoys justified love and respect. This allowed the drink to “register” with confidence in the wine lists of hotels and restaurants around the world.
Present day
Over time, the Azerbaijani wine-making industry has lost the palm to competitors from other countries. This is explained by the fact that in Azerbaijan the products are notable for their affordable price, simple composition and small batches of production. Now half of the products of all the country's companies are exported. It should be noted vineyard "Sherg-Ulduzu", founded in 2002. This is the country's leading project, whose vineyards are located in the Shamkir region. Their area covers 110 hectares, but plans to bring it to 200 hectares. The company is distinguished by the fact that well-known grape varieties adapt to local conditions. In particular, the number of sunny days, as well as the nature and direction of the wind, are taken into account. Especially the last factor is important during the planting of grape seedlings. To protect against wind, there should be trees on the vineyards, and regular soil testing is necessary to prevent parasites.
Azerbaijani pomegranate wine is a true crown of the creation of winemaking in the country. Here they compose verses and sing songs about this fruit with a tart aroma and pungent taste. The finish is juicy berry and pomegranate with light chocolate notes. As a result, the strength of pomegranate wine reaches 13-16%, and the product itself is sweet, but not sugary. It is recommended to eat fruit or sweet foods. Many say that pomegranate wine has a higher density than grape wine. With moderate use, pomegranate wine will be an excellent cancer prevention. Special production technologies allow preserving the useful properties of the product, which makes the final drink dietary and even therapeutic.
Small private wineries operate in Azerbaijan, producing delicious pomegranate wine. Manufacturing technology is practically no different from that in which grape analogues are made. Pomegranate wine calms, tones and energizes. Juice must be extracted from raw materials, which is best done through automation. Pomegranate loves sugar and therefore it will require exactly the same amount as fruits. Pomegranate wine should be aged for at least a month, and under ideal conditions, the period can be longer. The aroma of wine does not have to be catchy, but it is bright and rich. No impurities or fusel oils should be felt . The wine has a light tint. To taste, the product may resemble thick pomegranate juice. The original combination will be a glass of pomegranate wine and the fruit itself for a snack. This is the perfect fruit combination!