Comment 4: Campo de Encanto Pisco (McDonnell, Duggan P.)

Pisco, the first spirit of the Americas, has a legacy dating back to the mid 1500's in the Viceroyalty of Peru, which was the first country of the America's. Produced from 100% grapes, Pisco is uniquely of South American origin, stemming from those countries which originated in the Viceroyalty of Peru, principally Peru and Chile. The Port of Pisco, Peru on the Pacific coast, is a unique place, which like the river port of Cognac, France and the town of Tequila, Mexico, it is surrounded by agriculture. It was and is where much of the food and grapes are grown in South America. The local aguardiente-eau de vie-brandy which originated near this port became known as Pisco, just like the spirit produced near the river Charentes became known as Cognac. Pisco, because of the unique grapes and climate needed for its production, can only come from the coastal vineyards of either Peru or Chile. It is and should be protected by a Denomination of Origin status and the flavor and chemical composition of each bottling must conform to these rules. The New York Times stated last June that Pisco is 'the fastest growing spirit' in the United States. Pisco's history, tradition and current resurgence in the U.S. should be respected and its status as a unique category of distillate should be labeled and promoted accordingly. Thank you.