Ossetra, Iranian (Caspian)
goldenAcipenser gueldenstaedtii
Southern Caspian Sea, Iran·Iran·Rare
The Caspian original, harvested from its native waters. Wild-managed Iranian Ossetra carries a mineral edge absent from farmed versions — the terroir of the ancient sea is unmistakable. Nutty, briny, complex, with a long mineral close.
Salinity3Butteriness3Nuttiness5Umami4Complexity5
Pop
firm
Finish
Nutty
Texture
firm
Grain
medium
Colour
amber
Blini service
Not recommended
A purist's caviar, best appreciated completely alone. The mineral finish is easily lost under dairy or starch.
Pairings
- Champagne
- Vintage Champagne
- Wine
- Dry Riesling, Chablis Premier Cru
- Spirits
- Chilled vodka
Production
- Source
- wild-managed / Caspian
- Producer
- Iranian Caspian fisheries
- Processing
- malossol
- Grade
- royal
Legal & sourcing
Not available in the United States. Iranian / Caspian product is generally not available in the US. Farmed Ossetra from Italy or France is the legal alternative.
⚑ Regulatory watch
Species proposed for US ESA endangered listing (USFWS, May 2022). If finalized, the rule would apply 'wherever found' and could halt US import, export, and interstate commerce of ALL caviar of this species — including sustainably farmed product. As of mid-2025 no final rule has been published; farmed product remains fully legal to sell in the US today. Countervailing legislation (H.R. 4033 / S.2870, 'Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act of 2025') would exempt farm-raised captive sturgeon if passed. Second-generation+ hybrids with non-listed species would be exempt from the listing.CITES Appendix II — international trade requires documentation. Wild harvest is banned; all commercial product is farmed.
At a menu
The Caspian original — prized abroad, rarely a US menu option.
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