PSI 2023 Peter Sisseck

PSI 2023 is the most approachable expression from Dominio de Pingus, crafted by Danish-born winemaker Peter Sisseck in Spain’s revered Ribera del Duero. Blending Tempranillo with a touch of Garnacha from old vines, it offers the depth and pedigree of this legendary estate in a more accessible, drink-now style. Aged in used Pingus barrels, it captures the house’s signature precision and elegance at a remarkably compelling price–quality ratio.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, PSI 2023 shows a vibrant, deep ruby colour with youthful purple highlights around the rim. The nose is fragrant and expressive, opening with dark cherries, ripe blackberries and plum, supported by notes of violets, dried herbs, licorice, and a subtle whisper of sweet spice from its time in oak. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with finely textured tannins and a lively, refreshing acidity that keeps the fruit bright and focused. Flavours of fresh black cherry, wild berries and redcurrant are layered with hints of cocoa, graphite, and savoury earth, giving a sense of real complexity without heaviness. The oak is beautifully integrated thanks to the use of seasoned Pingus barrels, adding gentle structure rather than overt toast. While PSI 2023 is delicious and approachable in its youth, it has the balance and structure to evolve gracefully over the next 5–8 years, gaining further nuance in bottle.

Production
PSI is sourced from old-vine Tempranillo and Garnacha across carefully selected parcels in Ribera del Duero, many planted on poor, rocky soils at altitude that naturally limit yields and concentrate flavour. The region’s extreme continental climate—hot days, cool nights and marked seasonal shifts—helps the grapes achieve both ripeness and vibrant acidity. Peter Sisseck works closely with local growers, favouring meticulous, largely manual vineyard work to respect the old vines and their fragile, low yields. Grapes are harvested by hand to ensure optimal selection in the vineyard, then vinified with an emphasis on gentle extraction to highlight purity and finesse rather than power. PSI matures for around 18 months in used Pingus barrels, allowing the wine to develop texture and complexity while maintaining a fresh, fruit-driven profile with well-integrated oak.

Food & Serving
PSI 2023 is a versatile partner at the table, pairing beautifully with grilled lamb chops, roast pork, Iberico ham, charcuterie, hearty tapas, and dishes featuring roasted vegetables or mushrooms. It also complements aged Manchego and other firm, flavourful cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C (slightly cooler than room temperature) to showcase its freshness and aromatics. A brief decant of 30–60 minutes will help the wine open up and smooth its youthful structure, especially in its first few years after release.

Producer
Dominio de Pingus was founded by Danish winemaker Peter Sisseck, who first encountered the world of wine as a teenager on his uncle’s estate in Bordeaux. After moving to Spain, Sisseck became a leading figure in Ribera del Duero, quickly achieving global acclaim with the inaugural 1995 vintage of Pingus, now regarded as one of Spain’s greatest and most sought-after wines. Building on this success, he created Flor de Pingus as a slightly more accessible single-varietal Tempranillo, and later PSI as a collaborative project with local growers to preserve old-vine heritage and elevate viticultural standards in the region. Today, Dominio de Pingus stands as a benchmark producer in Ribera del Duero, admired for its meticulous vineyard work, low yields, and refined, terroir-driven wines that combine intensity with remarkable elegance.