Ribera del Duero PSI 2022 Dominio de Pingus

The Ribera del Duero PSI 2022 from Dominio de Pingus is far more than a second wine, it is a generous and utopian project signed by Peter Sisseck, the visionary Danish winemaker who placed Ribera del Duero on the map of the world's great wines with his legendary Pingus. PSI is the 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet and the name of Peter Sisseck's utopian wine from Ribera del Duero. Peter sought out the region's finest independent growers and encourages them to improve their vineyard practices, abandon chemicals, lower yields and embrace biodynamics, paying increasingly higher prices for fruit as they progress. The result is a wine that gives back to the region while expressing the soul of Ribera. On the 2022 vintage, Robert Parker confirms it is the finest PSI ever made. Juicy, powerful, crunchy, highly expressive and aromatic.

Terroir and vineyard

The PSI 2022 blend comprises 80% Tempranillo and 20% Grenache, from clay-limestone soils at 850 to 950 metres altitude, in the Castilla de León region, on goblet-trained vines of at least 30 years old. The PSI 2022 is primarily Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) with a small percentage of Garnacha, sourced from 700 parcels of old vines. This multitude of small parcels is precisely the heart of the PSI project: each contributes its own unique voice to the complexity and depth of the final blend, in a spirit of preserving Ribera del Duero's historic old vineyards. Only 20% of volume matured in barrique, the rest in large oak vats of 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 litres, with ageing that respects the wine. Fermentation is entirely natural, without added yeasts. The vines, some over 70 years old, are farmed according to biodynamic principles, in full respect of the environment.

Tasting profile

The PSI 2022 is clean, expressive and open, much more approachable than the 2021. It is primary, fruity and precise. It shows restrained ripeness and polished texture, elegant and lean, with fine tannins. There is something that recalls old vintages of Pesquera (1994 and earlier), with notes of orange peel and aromatic herbs. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and excellent freshness. Notes of ripe plum, cherry and herbs interweave with a balsamic touch, soft cedar and a hint of prune. The palate is juicy and creamy in texture, defined by firm, fine-grained tannins and moderate structure. Concentration comes from the old vines, while bright acidity balances the fine tannins. PSI combines tones of sun-soaked plump fruit, crunchy dark and red berries, flowers, Mediterranean herbs and mineral earth, all surrounding a firm, mineral core. Oak plays only a supporting role here.

The domaine

Located north of Madrid in the Castile and León province, not far from the prestigious Vega Sicilia estate, Dominio de Pingus ranks among Spain's greatest names. In 1995, Danish oenologist Peter Sisseck founded Dominio de Pingus. Pingus, his signature cuvée, became a cult wine from its first vintage, acclaimed by critics for its density, aromatic depth and exceptional ageing potential. Peter Sisseck also manages Château Rocheyron in Saint-Emilion, confirming his transnational vision of terroir-driven viticulture founded on old vines and biodynamics.

Food pairing

This Ribera del Duero PSI pairs beautifully with roasted Castilian lamb with rosemary, suckling pig braised with garlic and Iberian herbs, veal chops with wild mushrooms, grilled beef rib or a board of aged cheeses such as old Manchego or smoked Idiazábal. Served between 16 and 18°C, with 30 minutes of decanting recommended, it will reveal all the generous fruitiness, mineral precision and authentic soul of Ribera del Duero as seen through Peter Sisseck's eyes.