Peru and its wines

The Peru is one of the emerging wine regions of South America, with a tradition going back to Spanish colonial times. Famous above all for Pisco, the famous spirit made from indigenous grapes, Peru is gaining more and more attention for the production of full-bodied reds and aromatic whites, thanks to its vineyards located in desert areas and coastal valleys with a wide temperature swing.

The main wine areas are in the regions of Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna, where the arid climate and sandy soils favour high-quality viticulture. The most widely grown grape varieties include Quebranta, Negra Criolla, Italia and Albilla, used both for wine production and for Pisco.

What is the Peru wine district?

Peru has a limited but historically important wine production, with a focus on wines structured and aromatic, often produced in conditions of extreme viticulture. The main wine regions include:

• Ica → The heart of Peruvian viticulture, famous for Pisco and structured red wines.
• Arequipa → Elegant, aromatic wines with Andean influences.
• Moquegua → A historic area for Pisco, with savoury whites and spicy reds.
• Tacna → Intense, robust red wines, ideal for ageing.

The Great Wine Regions of Peru

1. The Ica Valley

• Main grape varieties: Quebranta, Negra Criolla, Italia.
• Style: Full-bodied reds and aromatic whites.
• Main production: Pisco and sweet wines.

2. Arequipa and the Majes Valley

• Main grape varieties: Moscatel, Albilla, Negra Criolla.
• Style: Floral, savoury whites, spicy reds.
• Main production: Aromatic pisco and fresh wines.

3. Moquegua

• Main grape varieties: Italy, Torontel, Malbec.
• Style: Soft, fruity whites, spicy reds.
• Main production: Pisco and intense red wines.

4. Tacna

• Main grape varieties: Negra Criolla, Malbec, Syrah.
• Style: Structured, long-lived reds.
• Main production: Red wines for ageing.

Characteristics of Peruvian Wines

Colour

• Reds: Intense ruby red with purple reflections.
• Whites: Straw yellow with golden shades.
• Sweet and Fortified: Amber in passito wines.

Aromas

• Fruity: Tropical fruit, citrus and peach in the whites; ripe red fruit in the reds.
• Floral: White flowers in the whites; violet in the reds.
• Spicy and Oxidative: Notes of caramel and honey in the sweet wines.

Palate

• Fresh and Aromatic: In the whites from Albilla and Moscatel.
• Full-bodied and Structured: In the reds based on Negra Criolla and Syrah.
• Sweet and Enveloping: In the passito wines and the dessert wines.

Typical Grape Varieties of Peru

White Grape Varieties

• Albilla: Aromatic and fruity, perfect for white wines and Pisco.
• Italy: Intense and floral, used in sweet wines and in Pisco.
• Moscatel: Perfumed and spicy, ideal for aromatic and fortified wines.

Black Grape Varieties

• Quebranta: The most widely used grape variety for Pisco, with fruity, spicy notes.
• Negra Criolla: Full-bodied and soft, with well-balanced tannins.
• Syrah and Malbec: Used for intense, long-lived red wines.

Why Choose a Wine from Peru?

A wine from the Peru is a unique experience, reflecting the country's extreme climate and winemaking tradition. Perfect alongside ceviche, barbecued meat, spicy dishes and Peruvian desserts, Peruvian wines offer a great variety of flavours and aromas.Read more: five centuries of the history of viticulture in Peru are reconstructed in The Forgotten Wine (M. Enna, Edith L.B.), an essay on the oldest vines in South America.