Pisco is the Peruvian grape eau-de-vie obtained from the distillation of fresh spirits produced by the exclusive fermentation of grape musts (grape juice), using traditional methods found in “producing areas” previously acknowledged and declared as such by the national legislation. The only pisco producing areas are the coasts of the Departments of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, and Moquegua, and the valleys of Locumba, Sama and Caplina in the Department of Tacna, all of them located in Peru.

Several chroniclers—including Guaman Poma de Ayala, Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa, Martin de Murua, Bernabe Cobo and Pedro Cieza de Leon—provide evidences of the existence of this geographical reference in the early days of the Colony. Their documents also highlight the vine crops and the preparation of wines and eaux-de-vie in the area. Furthermore, Miguel Cabello de Balboa’s “Miscellanea Antarctica” of 1586 expressly mentions the valleys of Ica, Yumay and Pisco when describing the Peruvian southern coast.

The records of different chroniclers and other historical sources show that the combination of lands propitious for grape growing and the technical culture developed in the valleys of the Peruvian south created the pisco eau-de-vie in the 17th Century. In consequence, the history of pisco is also a chapter on the culture-enriching mixing of races that we all embrace as part of our national identity, within Peru and abroad.

Since the early days of the Colony, in the coast of Peru there is a valley, a river, a port and a city called “Pisco”. The relationship between the pisco and the Peruvian geography and toponymy is, thus, undeniable. Today, the pisco eau-de-vie, Peruvian traditional drink and flagship product, introduces its long lineage and deep roots to the world.

The name "pisco"

The word “pisco” has an undeniable Peruvian origin, as has been verified through studies made by lexicographers, chroniclers and historians. It is a Pre-Hispanic (Quechua) word meaning “bird”. (Juan de Arona, pseudonym of Pedro Paz Soldan y Unanue. Diccionario de Peruanismos [Dictionary of Peruvianisms], Volume II, Ediciones Peisa, Lima 1975, pag. 323).

Precisely, the name of the valley was given by the Incas themselves who were amazed by the large number and diversity of birds of the coastal region. They named the site “Pisko” (located approximately 200 km south of Lima), and the famous Paracas culture took place in this valley.

However, this is not the only meaning of the word. A native community called “Piskos” had lived in the same region since ancient times. They were craftsmen par excellence who made beewax-lined earthen jars, among other items. The pitchers were used to store alcoholic drinks and chichas.

Later, when the Spaniards brought grapes to the region, the famous local eau-de-vie was also stored in the pitchers and, over time, it acquired the name of its container.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the word “pisco” is contained within several names of Peruvian towns, regions and properties, such as Piscohuasi (“bird house”) in Ancash, Piscotuna (“bird fruit”) in Ayacucho, Piscopampa (“bird pampa”) in Arequipa, Piscobamba (“bird plain”) in Apurimac, among others. Likewise, the word can also be found in pure Peruvian surnames like Pisconte, Piscoya, Piscocolla, etc.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs