A Danish Winemaker in Castilla

When Peter Sisseck arrived in Ribera del Duero in 1990 to manage Hacienda Monasterio, the region was known mostly for Vega Sicilia, and most growers sold their grapes in bulk. Trained in Bordeaux, Sisseck saw enormous potential in the area's gnarled old vines. In 1995 he founded Dominio de Pingus, named after his childhood nickname, in the village of Quintanilla de Onésimo. Its first vintage was famously described by Robert Parker as one of the greatest young red wines he had ever tasted, and Pingus became one of the world's most sought-after reds. For collectors who want to buy Spanish fine wine online, the name needs no introduction.

PSI: A Project for the Region

Sisseck's next idea was even more ambitious. Launched with the 2007 vintage, PSI (Ψ) works with hundreds of local growers who farm small plots of very old vines. Many of these vineyards were at risk of being abandoned or pulled out. By paying for quality, sharing knowledge and committing to long-term partnerships, PSI helps preserve Ribera del Duero's viticultural heritage while capturing what Sisseck calls the soul of Ribera del Duero.

Old Vines, Careful Hands

PSI is built mostly from Tempranillo, known locally as Tinto Fino, with a small portion of Garnacha in some vintages. Ribera's high altitude and continental climate, with hot days and cold nights, give dark fruit with real freshness. Sisseck favors careful farming, influenced by organic and biodynamic thinking, and a winemaking style that values balance, purity and site over heavy oak or extraction.

The PSI Magnum

PSI shows blackberry, dark cherry and plum with notes of earth, licorice, dried herbs and spice. The tannins are firm but fine, and the acidity keeps it lively. In magnum, it ages even more gracefully, making it a showpiece for a dinner party or a bottle to lay down for a future celebration.

Why Dominio de Pingus Matters Today

Pingus changed the way the world sees Spanish wine, and PSI extends that influence to the growers and old vineyards that make Ribera del Duero special. For customers of Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, PSI is a chance to own a piece of that story: world-class Tempranillo with a purpose, from one of Spain's most important winemakers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is Dominio de Pingus known for?

It is famous for Pingus, one of Spain's most celebrated and collectible red wines, as well as Flor de Pingus and PSI.

2. Who is Peter Sisseck?

A Danish winemaker who came to Ribera del Duero in 1990 and founded Dominio de Pingus in 1995.

3. What does "Pingus" mean?

It was Peter Sisseck's childhood nickname.

4. What is PSI?

PSI is a project launched with the 2007 vintage that works with hundreds of local growers to preserve old vineyards and make a wine that expresses Ribera del Duero.

5. What grapes are in PSI?

Mostly Tempranillo (Tinto Fino), with a small amount of Garnacha in some vintages.

6. Where is Ribera del Duero?

In north-central Spain along the Duero River, in the region of Castilla y León.

7. Why buy PSI in magnum?

Magnums age more slowly and gracefully, and they make a memorable centerpiece for a gathering.

8. Should I decant PSI?

Yes. Decanting for an hour or more helps young PSI open up and soften.

9. How long can PSI age?

PSI has the structure to age well for many years, especially in magnum, though it can be enjoyed younger with decanting.

10. What food pairs with PSI?

• Grilled meat: Ribeye, lamb chops, chuletón
  
• Roasts: Roast lamb, suckling pig
  
• Spanish dishes: Jamón ibérico, chorizo, Manchego
  
• Hearty fare: Mushroom stews, braised short ribs
  

11. How is PSI different from Pingus?

Pingus comes from Sisseck's own small old-vine plots and is made in tiny quantities. PSI draws on many growers and aims to express the broader region.

12. Is PSI a good collector's wine?

Yes. It is widely respected by critics and collectors and comes from one of Spain's most important estates.

13. What serving temperature is best?

Around 60 to 65°F.

14. Where can I buy Dominio de Pingus PSI online?

You can buy PSI at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, home to a curated selection of Spanish fine wine and collectible bottles, with shipping to California and select states.