In which two countries is pisco made?
Chile and Peru.
What do Chilean and Peruvian pisco have in common?
Both made from high percentage of aromatic grapes, particularly muscat varieties.
Both distilled in batches in pot stills.
How many varieties are approved for Peruvian pisco?
8 (moscatel considered a single variety).
How many varieties are approved for Chilean pisco?
11 or 13 depending on who you read (only 5 currently used).
Describe the making of Peruvian pisco.
- to enhance aromas pre-fermentation maceration on the skins, sometimes;
- distilled in pot stills to between 38% and 48% abv;
- wood ageing not permitted;
- 3 months minimum in inert vessel then bottled at strength;
- no dilution with water.
What are the 3 categories of Peruvian pisco?
- Pisco Puro - made from single grape variety.
- Pisco Mosto Verde - made from sweet wine where fermentation is artificially stopped. (usually made from Quebrenta or Italia grapes).
- Pisco Alcholado - made from a blend of two or more varieties (aromatic or non-aromatic).
What are the two types of Peruvian Pisco Pura?
- Non-aromatic.
2. Aromatic. Made from one of the following: Albilla; Italia; Moscatel; or Torontel.
What are the four aromatic grape varieties approved for Peruvian pisco?
Albilla
Italia
Moscatel
Torontel
To what strength is Chilean pisco distilled?
up to 73% abv
Which Pisco goes in to wood, Peruvian or Chilean?
Chilean.
How long is Chilean pisco in wood?
Minimum 60 days; can be for years.
What is the name of the local wood sometimes used for maturing Chilean pisco?
Rauli
What are the 4 categories of Chilean pisco?
- Corriente or Tradicionel; 30 to 35% abv.
- Especial; 35 to 40% abv.
- Reservado; minimum of 40% abv.
Gran Pisco; minimum of 43% abv.
How does distilling of Chilean and Peruvian Pisco differ?
Chileans can distill many times (arguably stripping out flavour).
