Peruvian wine appellations

The Peru has a winemaking tradition old but still little known internationally. Although production focuses above all on Pisco (a grape distillate), in recent years the country has been rediscovering and relaunching wine-grape growing, with a strong bond with the local area.

Unlike Europe, Peru does not use a DOC/IGT system in the classic sense, but uses a the Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) classification, governed by INDECOPI, which certifies some recognised and protected wine districts.

Recognised wine appellations in Peru

Vino de la Tierra Peruana IGP

It is the Peruvian equivalent of the European IGT. It indicates that the wine is produced with grapes grown in Peru, to minimum quality standards, with no strict constraints on grape varieties or winemaking techniques. It is the only official IGP for still wines.

It can be accompanied by a geographical area (e.g. Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua, Tacna), but is not a controlled designation of origin.

Main wine districts

Grape varieties grown in Peru

Indigenous and historic varieties (mainly for Pisco, but also used for wine):

• Quebranta

• Negra Criolla

• Italy (Moscato d’Alessandria)

• Torontel

• Moscatel

International (for still wines):

• Malbec, Tannat, Syrah, Petit Verdot

• Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

• Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Torrontés

Labels and classification

• There is no DOC or DOCG system.

• Producers state on the label: vintage, grape variety, area (optional), and often the IGP "Vino de la Tierra Peruana".

• Quality wines often come from boutique wineries and small craft producers.

Why discover Peruvian wines?

Because they offer unique expressions of the South American terroir, often with a dry climate and at altitude
For the rediscovery of historic local grape varieties, such as Quebranta in its dry version
Because the wine scene is expanding, with natural wine experiments, orange wine, long macerations
To best accompany the Peruvian cuisine, one of the richest in the world