Pingus
History and Background
Dominio de Pingus is an iconic wine producer based in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain and was founded by Danish winemaker Peter Sisseck in 1995. The winery quickly garnered international acclaim, especially following its first vintage, which was released to rave reviews. Sisseck's ambition was to craft a "Grand Cru" level Spanish wine that would fully express the characteristics of the region's old Tinto Fino (a local clone of Tempranillo) vines.
Pingus is particularly renowned for its limited production, often yielding fewer than 500 cases per year from its tiny vineyard area. After the success of Pingus, Sisseck introduced a second, more affordably priced wine called Flor de Pingus, which is produced from younger vines sourced from contracted growers who also follow the methods developed by Sisseck. Additionally, he launched a project named PSI in 2007, focusing on revitalizing old, neglected vineyards in the Ribera del Duero region to produce high-quality, accessible wines that respect the local tradition and ecosystem.
Vineyards and Terroir
The vineyards of Pingus, situated in the esteemed Ribera del Duero region of Spain, reflect a profound dedication to capturing and expressing the unique attributes of their terroir. Dominated by limestone and clay soils with noticeable chalk content, these vineyards facilitate the growth of Tinto Fino grapes, a locally adapted Tempranillo clone. At Pingus, many of these vines are over 70 years old, contributing to the wine’s intensity and complexity due to inherently lower yields.
Wine Style and Production
The wines from Pingus are known for being deep, concentrated, and powerful, skillfully combining intensity with finesse.
In the winemaking process, Peter Sisseck emphasizes a minimal-intervention approach. This includes:
- The use of indigenous yeasts during fermentation, which helps to express the unique characteristics of the vineyard’s terroir.
- Aging in French oak barrels, which contributes to the complexity and elegance of the wines without overpowering their natural flavors.
Reputation
Bodegas Dominio de Pingus is one of Spain’s most iconic wine producers and is often referred to as one of Spain's 'First Growths'. The scarcity of its production and the consequent high demand on the global market further enhance its allure and prestige.
Final Thoughts
Pingus produces some of the most iconic wines in the world. These wines not only reflect the best of Spanish wine but also compete with the best wines in the world. For collectors seeking to diversify their collection, Pingus offers an unparalleled experience characterized by depth, power, and refined elegance.