The preparation of pisco is governed by the Technical Pisco Regulation NTP211.001:2006, which contains the following definition: “Pisco: eau-de-vie obtained exclusively through the distillation of recently fermented fresh musts of pisco grapes, using methods that maintain the traditional quality principle established in the recognized production areas”. (Supreme Decree No. 001-91-ICTI/IND.)

Supreme Decree No. 001-91-ICTI/IND of January 1991 officially recognizes pisco as a Peruvian appellation of origin for the products prepared through the distillation of wines obtained from fresh grape fermentation in the coast of the Departments of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua and the valleys of Locumba, Sama and Caplina in the Department of Tacna. This means that any eau-de-vie prepared out of the defined boundaries will be a grape liquor, but not pisco.

The appellation of origin granted by INDECOPI requires the producers to submit samples to certification laboratories. A physical-chemical analysis determines if the samples comply with the requirements set forth in the Technical Regulations. This is a crucial condition, as the appellation of origin guarantees the purchased pisco’s certified quality to the consumer. 

Pursuant to the specifications of the Peruvian Technical Regulation dated November 2nd, 2006 (NTP211.001:2006), pisco is defined as the “eau-de-vie obtained exclusively through the distillation of recently fermented fresh musts of pisco grapes (Quebranta, Negra Criolla, Mollar, Italia, Muscat, Albilla, Torontel and Uvina*), using methods that maintain the traditional quality principle established in the recognized areas.”
Furthermore, the regulations also establish that pisco’s alcohol by volume may vary between 38% and 48%.

*Variety accepted for preparing pisco until a favorable opinion is obtained from OIV (in a term no longer than three years). Its growing and production is restricted to the Districts of Lunahuana, Pacaran and Zuñiga (production areas recognized through Supreme Decree No.  001-91-ICTI/IND).

Download the Peruvian Tecnical Regulation in PDF