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Chabiant

How to say it

Chabiant is an Azerbaijani wine brand launched in 2017 at the Ismayilli Sharab-2 winery, nestled in the Greater Caucasus. The winery sits at 600 to 1,000 meters elevation across 270 hectares in the Ismayilli region, growing both indigenous and international varieties. Silver Medals at Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 mark its growing international recognition.

Key Facts
  • Located on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus in Ismayilli region, Azerbaijan
  • Brand launched in 2017 at Ismayilli Sharab-2 winery, which was originally established in 1982
  • Winery modernized in 2010 with European production equipment
  • Vineyards cover 270 hectares at elevations between 600 and 1,000 meters
  • Grows indigenous varieties including Madrasa, Bayan Shira, Rkatsiteli, and Mtzvane alongside Saperavi and Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Won Silver Medals at Decanter World Wine Awards 2025
  • Over 10,000 tourists visited the estate in the past two years

🏔️Location and Vineyard

Chabiant's vineyards occupy 270 hectares on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountain range within the Ismayilli region of Azerbaijan. Elevations range from 600 to 1,000 meters, generating significant diurnal temperature variation between warm, sunny days and cool nights. This temperature swing preserves natural acidity in the grapes and extends the growing season. The vineyards are rain-fed, relying on the moisture patterns of the Caucasus foothills rather than irrigation.

  • 270 hectares of vineyards in Ismayilli region
  • Elevations from 600 to 1,000 meters on Greater Caucasus southern slopes
  • Rain-fed viticulture with pronounced day-to-night temperature swings
  • Climate promotes acidity retention and aromatic complexity

🌿Grape Varieties

Chabiant was created with an explicit mission to revive Azerbaijani local grape varieties and promote wine culture in the region. Indigenous varieties at the heart of the portfolio include Madrasa, Bayan Shira, Rkatsiteli, and Mtzvane. The winery also cultivates Saperavi, the widely planted South Caucasus red grape of Georgian origin, alongside international variety Cabernet Sauvignon. This combination allows the winery to produce wines that reflect both local identity and broader market appeal.

  • Indigenous Azerbaijani varieties: Madrasa and Bayan Shira
  • Caucasus regional varieties: Rkatsiteli, Mtzvane, and Saperavi
  • International variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Revival of local varieties is a core founding mission of the brand
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🏛️History and Modernization

The Ismayilli Sharab-2 winery behind the Chabiant brand was established in 1982, giving it a production history that predates Azerbaijani independence. A major modernization program in 2010 introduced European production equipment and brought in European and Italian winemaking expertise. The Chabiant brand itself launched in 2017 as a consumer-facing identity designed to communicate quality and local heritage. This pairing of historical infrastructure with modern technique and international knowledge defines Chabiant's approach to production.

  • Ismayilli Sharab-2 winery founded in 1982
  • Full modernization with European equipment completed in 2010
  • Chabiant brand launched in 2017
  • Production combines local traditions with European and Italian winemaking expertise
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🥇Recognition and Wine Tourism

Chabiant earned Silver Medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, placing it on the international competitive wine stage. The estate has developed wine tourism facilities including a guest house and restaurant, attracting over 10,000 visitors in the past two years. This tourism infrastructure reflects the winery's dual purpose of producing quality wine and serving as an ambassador for Azerbaijani wine culture to domestic and international visitors alike.

  • Silver Medals at Decanter World Wine Awards 2025
  • On-site guest house and restaurant available for visitors
  • Over 10,000 tourists welcomed in the past two years
  • Wine tourism positioned as central to brand identity and cultural promotion
Flavor Profile

Chabiant produces red, white, rosé, dry, semi-dry, and sweet wines drawn from both indigenous Caucasus varieties and Cabernet Sauvignon. The high-elevation, rain-fed mountain vineyards contribute natural acidity and freshness across all styles, with indigenous varieties like Madrasa and Bayan Shira providing distinct regional character.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb kebabsAzerbaijani plov (saffron rice pilaf)Fresh herb-stuffed flatbreadsAged local cheesesDolma (stuffed grape leaves)Smoked and cured meats
Wines to Try
  • Chabiant Bayan Shira White$12-18
    Indigenous Azerbaijani white grape showcasing the high-elevation freshness of Ismayilli's Caucasus vineyards.Find →
  • Chabiant Madrasa Red$20-35
    Flagship indigenous red variety central to Chabiant's mission of reviving Azerbaijani grape heritage.Find →
  • Chabiant Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve$25-40
    International variety grown at 600 to 1,000 meters elevation, shaped by Caucasus mountain climate and European winemaking.Find →
How to Say It
Chabiantcha-bee-ANT
Ismayilliis-my-ILL-ee
Madrasamad-RAH-sa
Bayan Shiraby-AN SHEER-a
Rkatsitelir-kat-si-TEL-ee
Mtzvanem-TSVAH-neh
📝Exam Study NotesWSET / CMS
  • Chabiant launched 2017 at Ismayilli Sharab-2 winery (est. 1982, modernized 2010 with European equipment)
  • Vineyards: 270 hectares, 600 to 1,000 meters elevation, southern slopes of Greater Caucasus, Ismayilli region, Azerbaijan
  • Indigenous varieties grown: Madrasa, Bayan Shira, Rkatsiteli, Mtzvane; also Saperavi and Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Styles produced: red, white, rosé in dry, semi-dry, and sweet categories
  • Silver Medals at Decanter World Wine Awards 2025; over 10,000 tourists in past two years