Azerbaijani Wine: Azerbaijan, Fermentation (wine), Pinot noir, Rkatsiteli, Pinot blanc, Aligote, Matrassa, Prohibition in the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Azerbaijani wine is produced in several regions throughout Azerbaijan. Prior to 20th century communist rule, Azerbaijan had a thriving wine industry that dated back to the second millennium BC. Azerbaijan's long history of wine production was rediscovered at archaeological digs of settlements in Kültan, Galabaglar and Galajig where archaeologists discovered stone fermentation and storage vessels that included residue and grape seeds dating back to the second millennium BC. The Ancient Greeks were well aware of wine production in the area by at least the 7th century BC according to Herodotus. Later Strabo would comment in the 1st century BC about an Azerbaijani wine known as Albania. Arabic historians and geographers-most notably Abu'l-Fida, Al-Masudi, Khaukal and Al-Muqaddasi--described the extensive viticulture around Ganja and Barda that was taking place even after Islamic conquest of the area.