Pisco

Question 1

In which two countries is pisco made?

Answer 1

Chile and Peru.

Question 2

What do Chilean and Peruvian pisco have in common?

Answer 2

Both made from high percentage of aromatic grapes, particularly muscat varieties.
Both distilled in batches in pot stills.

Question 3

How many varieties are approved for Peruvian pisco?

Answer 3

8 (moscatel considered a single variety).

Question 4

How many varieties are approved for Chilean pisco?

Answer 4

11 or 13 depending on who you read (only 5 currently used).

Question 5

Describe the making of Peruvian pisco.

Answer 5

• 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.

Question 6

What are the 3 categories of Peruvian pisco?

Answer 6

1. Pisco Puro - made from single grape variety.
2. Pisco Mosto Verde - made from sweet wine where fermentation is artificially stopped. (usually made from Quebrenta or Italia grapes).
3. Pisco Alcholado - made from a blend of two or more varieties (aromatic or non-aromatic).

Question 7

What are the two types of Peruvian Pisco Pura?

Answer 7

1. Non-aromatic.

2. Aromatic. Made from one of the following: Albilla; Italia; Moscatel; or Torontel.

Question 8

What are the four aromatic grape varieties approved for Peruvian pisco?

Answer 8

Albilla
Italia
Moscatel
Torontel

Question 9

To what strength is Chilean pisco distilled?

Answer 9

up to 73% abv

Question 10

Which Pisco goes in to wood, Peruvian or Chilean?

Answer 10

Chilean.

Question 11

How long is Chilean pisco in wood?

Answer 11

Minimum 60 days; can be for years.

Question 12

What is the name of the local wood sometimes used for maturing Chilean pisco?

Answer 12

Rauli

Question 13

What are the 4 categories of Chilean pisco?

Answer 13

1. Corriente or Tradicionel; 30 to 35% abv.
2. Especial; 35 to 40% abv.
3. Reservado; minimum of 40% abv.
   Gran Pisco; minimum of 43% abv.

Question 14

How does distilling of Chilean and Peruvian Pisco differ?

Answer 14

Chileans can distill many times (arguably stripping out flavour).