Chilean “Pipeño”, the Drink the SAG Recognizes for Its Unique Characteristics

This post is also available in: Español Português

Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) has launched an initiative to support the development of Family Farming (AFC) and to recognize traditional “Pipeño” as a unique alcoholic beverage distinct from wine.

To that end, the SAG has added a new generic classification called “Pipeño” to its Registry of Alcoholic Beverages.

Maridaje de cerveza y marihuana. La ciencia sensorial para el sommelier moderno

Comprar en Amazon

Under this measure, only wine producers belonging to the AFC in the Maule, Ñuble and Biobío regions may register their products under the “Pipeño” name.

What Is Pipeño?

This classification defines “Pipeño” as an alcoholic beverage obtained from the partial fermentation of fresh grape must, made according to authorized winemaking practices and using wine grape varieties.

It must also have a total alcohol content of at least 11.5 °GL and a volatile acidity below 1.5 g/L, expressed as acetic acid.

Total alcohol content adds the alcohol already formed to the alcohol that the unfermented sugar would yield. That is why the actual alcohol in pipeño stays below 11.5 degrees, and no water or sugar may be added to change its strength or sweetness (SAG, 2024).

It is worth stressing that “Pipeño” must be produced and bottled by individuals or legal entities belonging to Family Farming, or by cooperatives made up of them, located in the wine-growing municipalities of those regions. These beverages are sold in consumer units.

To meet the requirements of the “Pipeño” name, producers must report to their local SAG office the volume of product made each season.

In addition, the product cannot be bottled until it has an analytical rating confirming that it meets the standards required to be sold under this name.

Origin of Chilean Pipeño

This recognition aims to highlight the territorial identity and historical tradition tied to “Pipeño”, which was born in Chile in the 18th century, when wooden casks known as pipas came into use in the southern part of the Central Valley (Lacoste et al., 2015).

This wine, typical of the southern Central Valley between the Maule and Biobío rivers, is made from grape varieties such as Moscatel de Alejandría for whites, Uva País for rosés and reds, and some varieties derived from them.

Guía práctica para catar cerveza: Cómo apreciar correctamente todas las cervezas del mundo

Comprar en Amazon

“Pipeño” stands out as a craft wine produced by traditional methods, without sophisticated equipment or modern facilities. Its production is simple and relies on casks made of Chilean oak (raulí).

It is an iconic product that is part of Chile’s social, economic and cultural history, alongside other traditional products such as Chiloé ham, Chanco cheese and the Asoleado wine of Cauquenes and Concepción.

Unlike expensive products aimed at an elite market, “Pipeño” is sold in popular markets, which makes it a symbol of the identity and traditions of the Chilean people.

With this new classification and its support for Family Farming, the SAG seeks to boost and add value to small-scale beverages, offering an alternative to the traditional categories of alcoholic drinks.

Is Pipeño the Same as Pipeño Wine?

No. The pipeño defined in Exempt Resolution 4077/2023 is a generic classification in the SAG Registry of Alcoholic Beverages, not a designation of origin. It is a partially fermented beverage that keeps some of the grape’s sugar.

Pipeño wine follows the general rules for wine, with a minimum of 11.5 degrees of alcohol, and any producer in any region can make it. In September 2024 the SAG clarified that the two categories can coexist on the market (SAG, 2024).

The SAG awarded the first pipeño certification on August 27, 2024 to José Neira Risopatrón, a producer from Guarilihue, in the municipality of Coelemu, Ñuble region. Pipeño is also the base of the Chilean terremoto, the pineapple ice cream cocktail served at fondas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does pipeño have a designation of origin?

No. Since 2023 the SAG has recognized it as a generic classification in its Registry of Alcoholic Beverages, reserved for Family Farming producers in Maule, Ñuble and Biobío.

2. What is the difference between pipeño and pipeño wine?

Pipeño is a partially fermented beverage with residual sugar and an actual alcohol content below 11.5 degrees. Pipeño wine meets the standard for wine, with at least 11.5 degrees, and can be produced in any region.

3. Who can make pipeño in Chile?

Only individuals or legal entities from Family Farming, or cooperatives formed by them, in the wine-growing municipalities of Maule, Ñuble and Biobío. They must report the volume of each season to the SAG.

4. What grapes is pipeño made from?

It is made from wine grape varieties. Tradition relies mostly on Uva País for reds and rosés and Moscatel de Alejandría for whites, along with other criollo varieties.

5. Where does the name pipeño come from?

It comes from pipas, the Chilean wooden barrels in which the wine was stored. The first pipas were used in the 18th century in the southern Central Valley, and in Concepción they were made from raulí.