Abstract

Pisco is noted for its fruity, Muscat aroma. However, numerous different grape varieties, bearing distinct aromatic profiles, are used in the production of this unaged wine distillate. Hence, this work provides a quantification of the most significant terpenes (linalool, nerol and geraniol), and other aromatic components of the main aromatic grape varieties found in the Pisco-producing region of Chile. Moscatel de Alejandria and Moscatel Rosada both proved to be highly aromatic while the terpene profiles of two little-grown varieties, Early Muscat and Moscatel Amarilla, indicate that these could contribute much to the aroma of Pisco.