Marco Catelani – The Enological Touch (Tuscany) in Azerbaijan

Meet Marco Catelani. Together with Andrea Uliva, his fellow enology student from the University of Florence, they form the duo of winemakers bringing an Italian touch to the enological scene in Azerbaijan.

First and foremost, Marco, a proud Tuscan, reminds me that tannins run in his veins. His winemaking journey takes place among the vineyards in the heart of this beautiful nation, where the roots of viticulture are steeped in history.

The meeting and collaboration with Penah Abdullayev, an Azerbaijani agronomist, have been crucial, not only for the local support but also for overseeing every stage of production. From pruning in the vineyard to vinification, his careful analysis of the work plans has been key to the success of this enological duo in Azerbaijani soil.

Local grape varieties such as Bayanshire and Madrasa are complemented by Saperavi, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rkatsiteli, and White Shani, creating a mix of old Soviet-style varietals and new, modern agriculture.

The hands and minds of Marco and Andrea are reshaping traditional Azerbaijani concepts, starting with the land, zoning, and the study and orientation of the vineyard. They are introducing new plantings and restoring older ones to produce high-quality grapes for winemaking.

The trio faces a unique territory, with vineyards at altitudes around 800 meters above sea level, scorching summers, and snowy winters. Their work includes finding better rootstocks and bringing technological innovation from vineyard cultivation to vinification.

It’s an exciting “playground” for the three of them, aiming to offer fresh and light white wines with great drinkability, and structured reds with that distinctive “tannic” note reminiscent of Tuscan nuances.

Big projects are on the horizon, and it’s clear that the Caucasus region offers those “sparkling” notes—to use an enological term—that will allow them to create masterpieces. We are ready to taste and love them, and to follow the many innovations these talented winemakers will bring us.

The Wine Calls… We Will Be There