History and Establishment

• Founded in 2007 by ASPI AGRO with the goal of reviving winemaking traditions in the Gabala region.

• Located in the Savalan Valley, at around 400 meters above sea level, the area offers ideal conditions for viticulture: mountain rivers, wind protection, and sunny days.

• The project was consulted by agronomy experts including Eugenio Sartori from Vivai Cooperativi Rauscedo and vineyard specialist Ermanno Muranyi.

• The first vines planted were Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir over 45 hectares.

• Later expanded to include Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Grenache on up to 66 hectares.

• The first harvest was in August–October 2009.

• The winery is equipped with modern Italian technology (Della Toffola), and the winemaking is overseen by Italian oenologist Daniele D’Andrea, later joined by Elisa Vagnoni.

• The label design was inspired by the local mountain known as the “Sleeping Beauty” and produced in Italy.

• In 2011, the winery introduced its first wines including dry Chardonnay, semi-sweet Cabernet Merlot, and Viognier, showcased at international exhibitions.

🌱 Terroir and Production

• The vineyards span approximately 340 hectares in the Savalan Valley.

• The climate features hot days (up to +40 °C) and cooler nights (~+27 °C in summer), with low humidity and strong sunlight.

• The soil consists of a mix of clay and fine gravel. Drip irrigation is partially implemented.

• Grapes are harvested by hand; fermentation takes place under lab-like conditions, and aging occurs in high-quality French oak barrels.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

• Since 2012, Savalan wines have won over 56 international awards, including from Hong Kong, Decanter, IWSC, Mundus Vini, and Monde Selection.

• Wines are actively exported to Russia, Europe, and the United States.

• The winery has been listed among the world’s five most remarkable new wine producers.

🍷 Wine Collection

Savalan offers around 20–23 labels according to their website and Vivino listings.

White Wines:

• Chardonnay (dry and semi-sweet)

• Sauvignon Blanc (dry)

• Riesling (dry)

• Viognier (dry and semi-sweet)

• Traminer (semi-dry)

• Moscato (semi-sweet)

• Verdejo (dry)

• Aligoté (mentioned in past collections)

• Pinot Blanc (mentioned)

Rosé:

• Dry Rosé

Red Wines:

• Merlot (Dry and Dessert Sweet Reserve)

• Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Reserve, Ripassato)

• Cabernet Franc

• Petit Verdot

• Syrah (Red Dry Reserve)

• Marselan–Syrah blend

• Alicante Bouschet (Red Dry Reserve)

• Grenache (part of Limited Release Reserve)

• Special Edition Red

• Canyon Red Dry Reserve

• Nobel Exclusive Collection Red Dry Reserve

• Melody Red Semi Dry

• Aleatico Red Semi Sweet

♻️ Distilled Spirits (Archi)

Savalan also produces fruit-based brandies:

• Zogal Aragi (jujube)

• Armud Aragi (pear)

• Hayva Aragi (quince)

• Tut Aragi (mulberry)

• Grapollo

• Qarpiz Aragi (melon)

🔍 Interesting Facts

• The name Savalan is taken from the valley of the same name, home to the legendary "Sleeping Beauty" mountain.

• Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attended the grand opening.

• The facility is equipped with premium Italian winemaking machinery and advanced technology.

• The tasting room and visitor center offer luxury service and wine tours.

• The winery’s leading oenologists, Daniele D’Andrea and Elisa Vagnoni, are a real-life couple who found each other while working on the project.

📍 Tourism and Tasting

• The winery organizes guided tours that include wine tastings, theatrical presentations, and gourmet meals.

• There is also a wine museum and a stylish tasting room next to the vineyards.

📌 Conclusion

Savalan ASPI Winery is a shining example of modern Azerbaijani winemaking. Since its founding in 2007, it has become a leader in quality, innovation, and international recognition — offering a premium range of wines, luxurious tourism experiences, and a legacy rooted in passion and tradition.