Azerbaijani Wine Earns Top Praise from Leading Norwegian Expert

Renowned Norwegian wine critic Ingvild Tennfjord, a contributor to Aftenposten since 2013, has named an Azerbaijani wine among the standout discoveries of the season.

In her latest column, “On the Hunt for New Tastes,” she highlights six types of wine from various countries, noting that each one opens new “flavour doors”, The Caspian Post informs via local media.

Tennfjord is a certified sommelier, a Wine & Spirit Education Trust graduate, the author of nine wine books, and a recipient of the French L’Ordre du Mérite Agricole for her notable contributions to agriculture and winemaking.

Her selection features types of wine from Azerbaijan, Italy, Slovenia, Georgia, France, and Lebanon.

Reflecting on her experience in Italy, she writes: “When I lived in Italy, I was always fascinated by how regionally they drank wine. Even wine from a neighbouring region was already considered rare. Meanwhile, you live in Norway and have 36,000 wines to choose from. Believe me, that is abundance.”

Slovenian and Georgian types of wine earned 5 points on Norway’s six-point rating system (with 6 signifying outstanding quality and 5 excellent).

Azerbaijan’s “Ismayilli Chabiant Bayan Shira” achieved the top score of 6, placing it on par with top-rated types of wine from Italy, France, and Lebanon.

Tennfjord characterizes this dry white wine as elegant, fresh, and highly enjoyable, emphasizing its ideal pairing with fish and white meat. She also underscores that Azerbaijani producers are now crafting wines capable of competing internationally.

As a result, Azerbaijani wine has joined the ranks of the highest-rated offerings from both the Old and New Worlds, further reinforcing the country’s emerging reputation in the global wine industry.