The life of any company and any organization aspiring for further, higher summits will sooner or later have those moments when the mastery goes beyond all the expected boundaries. Such a moment has come round for SAVALAN-ASPI Winery when the Grappolo that we produce won the most prestigious Trophy at the international competition IWSC in London – thus gaining the distinction that is a tier above the contest gold itself!

This victory denotes the world-arena triumph of not SAVALAN-ASPI Winery alone but of the entire wine industry of Azerbaijan to which we, too, belong.

The Trophy is something quite extraordinary in the world of tasting competitions. Whilst gold medals recognize outstanding quality, the Trophy is reserved for that singular specimen which surpasses all others presented before the panel of experts. From the entire collection of gold medalists, the jury selects but one spirit (occasionally two) deemed and accepted as the finest in its category. This is recognition as the best amongst the best!

The Trophy system of the IWSC rests on a ruthless selection principle. The initial rounds where the eventual gold winners are identified are followed by the second, yet more demanding, examination for these exceptional spirits. At this stage, the judges are not simply after perfection – rather, they find that elusive threshold beyond which fine beverages become transcendental ones.

Our Grappolo was awarded this distinction in the Marc/Pomace Brandy category, that is to say, within that international classification which encompasses grappa and its related distillates. This represents indisputable proof that Azerbaijani products compete on equal terms with the finest examples of world-class quality.

The jury’s award spells what we have always heartily believed, namely, that SAVALAN-ASPI Winery does not merely embody and present mastery but art also. Our Grappolo is a materialized union of traditional methods and the unbending commitment to quality. That has become our distinct style, our mark that we make constantly.

As we have made it clear in our blog previously, the IWSC ranks amongst the world’s most rigorous competitions. To secure their highest accolade is to achieve profound satisfaction whilst, at the same time, earning what is, in our case, the well-deserved recognition that our vision of Azerbaijani winemaking has hit its mark. This achievement is something of a statement. It demonstrates to the international community that Azerbaijan confidently occupies its rightful place amongst the world’s leading winemaking regions.

In every drop of our Grappolo lives a tale to tell which spans from the vine to the crystal distillate, from ancient traditions to modern craftsmanship. The London jury were able to perceive and appreciate this tale, and found it worthy of the highest award – the accolade that elevates not only our brand but the prestige of Azerbaijani winemaking in its entirety. Thus is a legend born: not in loud proclamations, but in the silent perfection of that which is created by hand and heart!..

Best regards,

Fuad Seyidaliyev and Arif Rahimov

Founders and Co-owners of SAVALAN-ASPI Winery