Azerbaijan & Sardinian Feasting

Truth is I’ve been too busy to keep a list of the specific dishes and wines they were paired with. Enjoy the visuals and I hope they inspire you to travel, cook and pair your dishes with wines made from lesser known grapes. For more information, read the Forbes pieces linked above.

Azerbaijan.

The capital city of Baku is modern, prosperous (think oil), clean, safe and includes intriguing architecture, museums, an engaging Old Town and fantastic food.

Wine is made from various grapes, and the industry is growing (read my Forbes piece). However, two indigenous grapes that produce delicious wines are Bayan Shira (white) and Madrasa (red).

Architecture in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan – a modern, clean, safe and prosperous city with excellent food and lively wine bars

Azerbaijan dining with cookbook chef Ehtiram Farzalibayov at his new countryside winery

Rich dishes served everywhere in Baku, Azerbaijan

Wine from the Italian Aglianico grape in Azerbaijan

Renowned serious professionals—having serious fun

Faces in rural Azerbaijan—winemakers, sommelier, chefs and writers

Various Azerbaijani wines from grapes such as Sangiovese, Viognier, Madrasa and Colorina

Sardinia.

I visited Sardinia three years ago—my previous articles (written in July, 2022) are here:

Sardinia’s Eclectic Wine Regions – The North

Sardinia’s Eclectic Wine Regions – The South, West and East

Vino Voices – Six Wine Meals in Sardinia

The wines are varied and can be excellent. All over the island the white grape Vermentino is prevalent. In the northwest it can be particularly crisp and acidic. Cannonau (Grenache) is also produced on much of the island and the version from the central highlands of Mamoiada can be especially dense and captivating. In the south, the 100% Carignan can be of exceptional quality.

For indigenous grapes, both white Arvisionadu (in the northwest) and Granatza (in the central highlands) are excellent. For reds, Cagnulari is a true winner, although little as yet is planted.