From Peter the Great to the present day: the legacy of the Republic of Dagestan

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The exposition "Region-2030. The Platform of the Future" has started at the National Centre RUSSIA. From 2 to 7 September, the Days of the Republic of Dagestan will be held here. During this time guests will be able to get acquainted with presentations, take part in workshops and gastronomic programmes, and watch performances by creative teams.

Each region of Russia has its own treasures, and cognac is rightfully considered one of the main symbols of Dagestan. The Republic is a cultivation centre for cultural grape varieties from time immemorial. Favorable climatic conditions, experience and traditions of people living there have made grapes the main plant for the peoples of Dagestan. Viticulture and winemaking have become a strategic area of agriculture, which provides employment for the population of the down-river, valley and foothill parts of the region. The favorable climate, mountainous terrain and fertile soils have made Dagestan a significant center of viticulture and winemaking.

"The history of viticulture in the Republic has been known since the time of Peter the Great's Persian campaign. Cognac production in Russia appeared in the late 80s of the 19th century, after philanthropist and winemaker David Saradzhev's visit to Kizlyar in 1880. There, he got acquainted with the production of grape vodka named kizlyarka, which was known since 1657. After testing its taste, he bought out wineries and began to age grape vodka in oak barrels made from Caucasian oak. In 1885, the first shipment of cognac took place — 236 buckets were sent to Moscow. This event is considered the beginning of cognac production in Russia. The Kizlyar Brandy Factory dates back to 1885," Sheriff Kerimkhanov, Chairman of the Committee on Viticulture and Alcohol Regulation of the Republic of Dagestan, told the press service of the National Centre RUSSIA.

Dagestan cognac became widely known in Soviet times. The Derbent Cognac Factory and the Kizlyar Brandy Factory carry out a full production cycle: from grape processing and distillation to aging and selling the finished drink. Namely these two enterprises brought their products to a level comparable to European standards and had exported them to the countries of Eastern Europe and the Middle East, while maintaining their popularity in  the USSR's domestic market.

Kizlyar Brandy Factory

Kizlyar winemaking originates from the decree of Peter the Great, which allowed free distilling. Already in the 18th century, winegrowers from Germany and France came here, and local craftsmen created the first grape vodka, kizlyarka, which foreign guests compared to French cognac. The First World War and prohibition interrupted the development, but in 1925 production resumed, and Kizlyar cognac became popular again. In 1955, the first vintage cognac of the KV category was made, and in 1979 the main production was moved to a new factory, which became the largest cognac production centre in Russia.

"The Kizlyar Brandy Factory is a full-cycle enterprise that supports and controls all processes at the highest level. The Factory is proud of its director and specialists. Each employee here is a link in one big chain. Cognac is our wealth. It is a part of the national treasure and is Russia's Gold Reserve for storing cognac alcohol," Yelena Krylova, brand ambassador of the Kizlyar Brandy Factory, said in a conversation with the press service of the National Centre RUSSIA.

Derben Cognac Factory

Derbent Cognac Factory was founded in 1966 in one of the oldest cities of Russia — Derbent. Wine-making traditions have long existed here, and the establishment of the factory has become an important stage in the development of cognac production in the North Caucasus. From the very first years, the company has been producing aged cognacs using classical technologies.

During the Soviet period, the factory became one of the country's leading producers: the best grape varieties were used, and spirits were aged in oak barrels, which gave the drink a rich taste and aroma. After the collapse of the USSR, the factory was privatized, which made it possible to upgrade the equipment, expand the vineyards and introduce new varieties. Today, the Derbent Cognac Factory is one of the largest in Russia, producing a wide range of products from ordinary cognacs to premium brands aged for more than 20 years.

Technologies and traditions

Classic French technologies adapted to local conditions remain the basis of Dagestan cognac production today. The main rule is to use grapes of local origin: Rkatsiteli, Kachich, Terbash, Bayan Shirey, Cabernet Sauvignon and Uny Blanc varieties. The production process includes the cultivation of grapes, double distillation in copper alembics, aging in oak barrels for at least three years, blending spirits of different years under the supervision of a master, and bottling with mandatory indication of the age of the drink. Ordinary cognacs have a soft fruity profile, aged cognacs have a complex taste and notes of oak, chocolate, and nut, while rare cognacs have a deep and pronounced structure with hints of tobacco, leather, and vanilla.

Cognac traditionally occupies a special place in the cultural life of Dagestan: it is present at weddings, celebrations and official receptions, symbolizing respect, generosity and hospitality. For the residents of the republic, viticulture and winemaking are a part of everyday culture and a legacy passed down from generation to generation. Cognac has become a cultural brand of the region and of the whole of Russia, and is recognizable far beyond its borders.

Today, Dagestan carefully preserves the traditions of winemaking and distillation, at the same time introducing modern methods of quality control and updating equipment. Young specialists learn from the masters, thus maintaining continuity. Each batch undergoes laboratory analysis, organoleptic evaluation and GOST certification. The high quality is confirmed by numerous awards, and this fact strengthens the reputation of Dagestan cognac as a premium product and increases its export potential.

The exposition "Region-2030. The Platform of the Future will be located on the second floor of Pavilion No. 7 and will be open to the public every day except Mondays from 10:00 to 20:00. Announcements of special excursion programmes, workshops and meetings with representatives of the regions will be available on the website russia.ru in the "Events" section and on the social networks of the National Centre RUSSIA.