Characterisation of the metagenome of Peruvian Pisco grapes from Ica and Arequipa for the development of their regional identity

Pisco grapes and their associated microbiome are the fundamental inputs for the production of Pisco; thus, knowledge of the varietal and regional differences between microbiota is of high value due to contribute to the distinctiveness and quality of the Pisco. To this end, the metagenomics can be applied for an in-depth exploration of the berry microbiome. The aim of this work was to characterise the metagenome of Peruvian Pisco grapes from Ica and Arequipa, thereby contributing to their regional identities. Sixteen composite samples of berries from the protected designation of origin regions of Ica and Arequipa were analysed for both bacteria and fungi via massive sequencing. Ralstonia, Gluconobacter, Pantoea, Tatumella, Bradyrhizobium, Komagataeibacter and some unclassified species from the Orbaceae family were identified as the predominant genera of bacteria, and Cladosporium, Starmerella, Pichia, Hanseniaspora, Wallemia, Claviceps, Alternaria and some unclassified species from the Saccharomycetales order or other orders within the Ascomycota division as the predominant fungi as well as its richness and diversity. As has been shown elsewhere in the literature regarding wine, we have proven here that the terroir of Pisco depends on the composition of the microbiome and is affected by edaphoclimatic factors and cultivation practices. These exploratory results will contribute to a better understanding of the terroir of Pisco, thus providing fundamental knowledge for its regional identity.