Pisco Regions
Cocktail Magazine edition No 56, grateful for the opportunity.
We all know that our Pisco is included within a Appelation of Origin, which is limited to 5 coastal regions of Peru: Lima, Tacna, Arequipa, Moquegua, and Ica. From 0 to 2000 meters above sea level, (m.a.s.l.), only in these regions can grape spirit be made under the name Pisco. Each region has its own characteristics, whether geographic, climatic, soil-related, traditional, or cultural. In Lima, we have Pisco-producing areas both in the north & south, but it's in Cañete where we have the smallest Appelation of Origin for Pisco. This is because Uvina Pisco can only be made in the districts of Lunahuaná, Pacarán, and Zúñiga, located respectively from 479 to 802 m.a.s.l.
The grape variety "Uvina," considered according to the current Pisco Appelation of Origin regulations as a "Vitis aestivalis M.- cinerea E. × Vitis vinifera L," has adapted very well to the soil and climate conditions of these districts. Uvina Piscos are pleasant and well-structured, with dense viscosity, notes of fresh olives, herbs, and red fruits. It reminds us the Quebranta Pisco with its astringent finish. It's not for everyone, which is why I always recommend tasting Uvina "in situ" in Lunahuaná, Pacarán, or Zúñiga. Even though it may not seem like it, sometimes it's important to be in the place where it's made, perceive the aromas, feel the climate, see the landscape, and learn and listen to how the master distiller works in order to get an idea. You'll see after this experience, you will appreciate Uvina Pisco.
If you prefer a cocktail, try it with a "Captain" (Capitán). My recipe is as follows: in a separate glass with ice, add 1 ½ oz of Uvina Pisco, 1 oz of red vermouth, and 8 drops of Angostura bitters. Then, stir for no more than 15 seconds to cool. Using a strainer, pour it into a coupé glass. Finally, garnish with a green olive, and it's ready. Remember that the production of Pisco doesn't begin in the bottle. It involves a whole process of at least three to four years before bottling: the planting of the vine shoots (vines), all agricultural issues, harvesting, fermentation, distillation, and rest (3 month). Each of these stages is equally important.
Other grape varieties for Pisco in the Lima region include Quebranta, Mollar, Negra Criolla, Italia, and Albilla. From my experience in this region, I can say that the best Mollar, Uvina, and Italia Piscos are made here. I have even tried a Negra Criolla. Although it was of limited production, I liked it. In Lima North (Norte Chico), some wineries are already working and offering very high-quality Piscos. I remember a Quebranta Pisco from Sayán, which won the gold medal at the 2006 XIII National Pisco Contest. "El Señorío de Sayán" by Rinaldo Sissa Badiola was excellent. I'm sure Piscos from this location will be talked about in the coming years.
Good times are coming for our National Cultural Heritage. Therefore, I leave you with a link to the results of the National Pisco Competitions from 1993 to 2019:
Click here
Always with responsibility
By Livio Pastorino Wagner
Sommelier, Specialist, and Pisco Taster
Registration: CRDO-PISCO 2020 RCO-034-2011
@elmagozurdo
Cocktail Magazine No. 56, september 06, 2022.
Cocktail magazine (spanish) in issuu
Pisco & music
September 2022.
Where pisco is the only protagonist!
#lapiscoteca #piscosour #winelover #pisco #pasionporlacata #bar #elpiscoesdelperu #vino #vinosdelperu #pisco #piscolover #Lima #Peru #Moquegua #Tacna #Arequipa #Ica
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