Wines from Peru

Vines were first brought to Peru by the Spanish conquistadors. It is one of the most unusual countries for growing grapes because it never rains there (less than 0.01 mm per year). The country is essentially a desert home to 58 oases, and it is in one of these, in the Ica region—a three-hour drive south of Lima—that the Tacama vineyards, the country’s largest, are located. 

Ica is the main wine-growing region; the potential of its terroirs is undeniable because, in prehistoric times, massive mudflows slid down the Andes mountain range—all the way to the Pacific Ocean—forming the current valleys along the way. The valley’s subsoil is therefore composed of stony and sandy foundations, and the soils are superb alluvial deposits. 

Today, Peru is undergoing a major transition in its wine industry, with winemakers drawn to the climatic challenges it presents and the uniqueness of its desert terroir. An increasing number of local wineries are embarking on this adventure, spurred on by the current rise in domestic wine consumption. 
In addition to reds and whites, the range of wines is very diverse and always interesting, ranging from fairly sweet whites to semi-dry rosés, as well as fortified wines and Italian-style sparkling wines. For reds, Mediterranean grape varieties such as Mourvèdre and Carignan find excellent expression in this terroir alongside the more classic Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, with powerful tannins and beautiful aromatic complexity on the palate. As for the whites, Sémillon, Chardonnay, Chenin, and Sauvignon are among the most prized for their very fruity aromas and their ability to withstand sometimes very strong winds.