A set of resolutions issued by the Ministry of Culture has recognized as Cultural Heritage of the Nation a series of historical documents dating back to the 16th century and which irrefutably prove the Peruvian origin of pisco.
These valuable findings, discovered by researchers from the National Archives, provide compelling evidence of the production of grape brandy in the Ica Valley for more than four centuries.
The first of these resolutions declares the “Public deed of payment and settlement letter between Manuel de Azante and Jorge Capelo (1587)” as Cultural Heritage.
According to experts, this document offers a window into the past, allowing us to learn details about the beginnings of pisco production in Ica. Its value lies in its age and in the wide range of information it provides for historical, legal, economic and social research.
Likewise, the “Deed of Company between Juan Corzo and Andrea Candia (1589)” and the “Deed of Obligation of Cristóbal Martín de Escarcena to Enrique de Figueroa (1583)” have been recognized as Cultural Heritage.
These documents show the existence of a flourishing wine industry in Ica during the 16th century, with trade routes that reached as far as Arica.
Finally, the “Public deed of testament of Manuel de Azante (1605)” has also been declared Cultural Heritage. This document, in addition to confirming the boom in grape brandy production in Ica at the beginning of the 17th century, provides valuable information on legal, social and economic aspects of the time.
