Savalan ASPI Winery

Winemaking in the Gabala region dates to pre-Islamic antiquity, but the industry declined sharply following the 7th-century Arab conquest and the spread of Islamic influence. The Soviet era brought further disruption through collectivization, and Gorbachev's 1985 anti-alcohol campaign devastated remaining vineyards. Azerbaijan began reconstructing its wine sector in the early 2000s, and Savalan ASPI Winery emerged from that effort as the country's flagship quality producer. Founded in December 2006 and operational from 2007, Savalan was designed from the outset to position Azerbaijan toward premium, export-oriented winemaking.

• Gabala's winemaking tradition predates Islamic rule in the region
• Soviet collectivization and the 1985 anti-alcohol campaign devastated the Azerbaijani wine industry
• Azerbaijan's wine sector reconstruction began in the early 2000s
• Savalan was established in 2006 as the country's benchmark premium producer

Savalan's vineyards occupy more than 300 hectares in the Savalan Valley, sitting at 400 meters above sea level in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Rivers flank the estate on both sides, and the mountains provide natural protection from dry winds. The climate is balanced, with adequate rainfall, ample sunshine, and moderate temperatures, drawing comparisons to southern Italy. Gabala itself spans four of Azerbaijan's eleven climatic zones. Soils are alluvial, comprising sand, fine gravel, clay, and calcareous rocks, providing good drainage and mineral complexity.

• Elevation of 400 meters above sea level in the Greater Caucasus foothills
• Climate comparable to southern Italy; Gabala spans four of eleven Azerbaijani climatic zones
• Alluvial soils: sand, fine gravel, clay, and calcareous rocks
• Natural wind protection provided by the Greater Caucasus Mountains

Savalan cultivates an exceptionally broad range of international varieties suited to the Gabala climate. Red varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot, Marselan, Alicante Bouschet, Montepulciano Aglianico, Pinot Noir, and Rebo. White and aromatic varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Viognier, Traminer, Verdejo, Moscato, Black Moscato, and Aleatico. The winery produces red, white, rosé, orange, sparkling, and sweet wines, as well as spirits, brandies, and fruit distillates, totaling approximately 20 distinct products.

• Over 20 international grape varieties grown across the 300+ hectare estate
• Full range of styles: red, white, rosé, orange, sparkling, sweet, and distillates
• Italian varieties such as Montepulciano Aglianico, Rebo, and Aleatico feature alongside French and Spanish grapes
• Moscato and Black Moscato support the sweet wine and distillate program

Savalan is equipped with state-of-the-art Della-Toffola processing equipment and uses temperature-controlled fermentation throughout. All wines are aged exclusively in Italian and French oak barrels sourced from Garbelotto. The winemaking team is led by Italian oenologists Daniele D'Andrea and Elisa Vagnoni, bringing a distinctly Italian technical approach to Azerbaijani terroir. Beyond the Gabala production facility, Savalan operates a tasting room and museum in Baku. In December 2024, one of the winery's barrels entered the Guinness World Records as the World's Largest Wooden Wine Barrel.

• Della-Toffola processing equipment and temperature-controlled fermentation used throughout
• Oak aging exclusively in Italian and French barrels from Garbelotto
• Italian oenologists Daniele D'Andrea and Elisa Vagnoni lead the winemaking team
• Tasting room and museum operate in Baku in addition to the Gabala estate

Savalan has established an active international presence through participation in major trade fairs including Vinitaly, ProWein, and PRODEXPO. The winery received awards at the IWSC 2025 in London and won the Grand Prix at the 4th International Wine Festival in Ganja, Azerbaijan. Following an exhibition at the WijnFeesten Groesbeek fair in the Netherlands, its wines were dubbed the Pearl of Caucasus. Distribution reaches European and Russian markets through established importers.

• IWSC 2025 award winner in London
• Grand Prix winner at the 4th International Wine Festival in Ganja, Azerbaijan
• Dubbed 'Pearl of Caucasus' at the WijnFeesten Groesbeek fair in the Netherlands
• Exports to European and Russian markets; participates in Vinitaly, ProWein, and PRODEXPO