Moscatel: Aromatic Elegance
Placeres Magazine, edition No 18, grateful for the opportunity
"Moscatel pisco is as elegant as a classic film star." Over the years, the Moscatel grape has been recognized for its ability to produce exceptional, elegant, and aromatic piscos. With its loose clusters and violet-hued berries, Moscatel stands out as one of the most sophisticated varieties within the universe of pisco grapes. In this article, we explore the distinct features of this variety, its sensory profile, agronomic characteristics, and its importance in pisco production.
Despite occasional confusion with other varieties such as Muscat of Alexandria, the Peruvian pisco Moscatel—one of the eight grapes authorized by the CRDO Pisco—is a grape with its own identity, playing an essential role in the creation of aromatic piscos and mistelas. It is mainly grown in the valleys of Ica, Pisco, and Cañete, as well as further south—where, in my opinion, the finest Moscatel piscos in the country are made—in Arequipa (Caravelí), Moquegua, and Tacna. Here, its adaptation to sandy, warm soils favors high-quality production. This grape is known for its low yield, which contributes to Moscatel pisco being perceived as a luxury spirit.
Moscatel offers intense aromas reminiscent of flowers such as jasmine, orange blossom, and rose, along with citrus notes (mandarin), fruity tones (peach, passion fruit), sweet hints (peach compote), herbal touches, fresh grass, dried fruits (walnut), spices (clove, chili), and a refined touch of bitterness. Its flavor is equally distinguished, with a complex structure, smoothness on the palate, and remarkable persistence. In some cases, tasters note a subtle spiciness reminiscent of Peruvian yellow chili—king of the nation’s gastronomy—as part of its expressive character.
It is important to clarify that various Muscat varieties exist worldwide, each with its own characteristics. Muscat of Alexandria, of African origin, is one of the best known in Mediterranean wine regions. Muscat blanc à petits grains and Black Muscat (also known as Muscat of Hamburg) are other variants cultivated mainly in Europe. However, the Peruvian pisco Moscatel does not correspond to any of these and, although it has yet to be registered individually in the international VIVC catalog, its sensory and morphological profile is unique.
se corresponde con ninguna de estas y, aunque aún no ha sido registrada individualmente en el catálogo internacional VIVC, su perfil sensorial y morfológico es único.
By contrast, the Italia grape—also authorized for pisco production—is not a pure Muscat but rather a cross developed by Italian viticulturist A. Pirovano in 1911, from Bicane × Muscat of Hamburg. Known in Spain as Ideal, Doña Sofía, or Incrocio Pirovano 65, it is characterized by large berries with a greenish-yellow hue. In Peru, the name “Italia” is also used for Muscat of Alexandria, creating an ongoing confusion. There is no official data indicating which of these Italias is more widely cultivated, although both are used in distillation.
ha resuelto del todo. No hay datos oficiales sobre cuál de estas Italias predomina en cultivo, aunque ambas se usan en la destilación.
In the wine and spirits world, Moscatel pisco has earned a reputation for refinement. Its floral and fruity notes make it one of the most cherished piscos among tasters and enthusiasts. Harvest takes place between February and March, followed by a distillation process carried out with special care to preserve its delicate aromas. Although its yield per hectare is not high (between 22,000 and 25,000 kg/ha), this factor contributes to its superior quality.
factor contribuye a su calidad superior.
For many tasters, a fine Moscatel pisco is a true sensory delight—a spirit that captures the essence of Peruvian pisco grapes in every drop. As we say in the world of wine and pisco, “it is as elegant as a classic film star”—a distillate worthy of admiration. May the cultivation of these unique vines continue to flourish, guided by those who value and defend the art of pisco. Enjoy it with respect, knowledge, and pride.
By Livio Pastorino Wagner
Sommelier, Specialist, and Pisco Taster
Registration: CRDO-PISCO 2020 RCO-034-2011
@elmagozurdo
Placeres Magazine, No. 18 agosto 08 del 2025
Pisco & music
august 2025
Where pisco is the only protagonist!
#lapiscoteca #piscosour #winelover #pisco #pasionporlacata #bar #elpiscoesdelperu #vino #vinosdelperu #pisco #piscolover #Lima #Peru #Moquegua #Tacna #Arequipa #Ica #piscopunch #piscosour #piscotonic #capitan #chilcanodepisco
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