Pingus is one of the very few wines to rank among the world's most coveted. The Pingus estate was founded by Peter Cissek. He found three separate plots, each with very old Tinto Fino vines growing on them. His aim was to produce "unmistakably Spanish wine based on terroir ... garage wine".
The vineyards can be found in the La Horra area and are situated on soil composed of limestone and clay with some gravel. Starting from 2005, they have followed biodynamic principles in their cultivation. The 2019 Flor de Pingus exhibits impressive concentration and has been carefully aged in oak barrels, with about 20% of them being new. The wine displays plentiful, refined tannins and embodies the strength of the vintage, which is characterized by ample sunshine. As you pour it into a glass, you'll discover a bouquet of floral notes, blackberries, blueberries, incense, and spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied, robust, and well-balanced.
Nestled in the heart of Ribera del Duero, Spain, the Dominio de Pingus winery stands as a beacon of uncompromising quality and passion for winemaking. Founded by renowned winemaker Peter Sisseck in 1995, this boutique winery has gained international acclaim for its limited-production, terroir-driven wines that showcase the true essence of the region. At the helm of Dominio de Pingus is the visionary winemaker Peter Sisseck, who hails from Denmark but found his winemaking calling in the heartland of Ribera del Duero. With a deep understanding of the region's unique terroir and a commitment to minimal intervention winemaking, Sisseck has crafted wines that have captured the attention of wine enthusiasts worldwide. His meticulous attention to detail and relentless pursuit of perfection has made Dominio de Pingus a symbol of excellence in Spanish winemaking. Dominio de Pingus encompasses several estate vineyards, each carefully selected to reflect the diverse terroir of the Ribera del Duero region. The vineyards, located in the villages of La Horra and Valbuena del Duero, are characterized by old vines with low yields, ensuring the concentration and complexity of the grapes. The combination of clay, limestone, and gravel soils, along with the unique microclimate, imparts distinct characteristics to the wines, showcasing the nuances of the land. Sustainable and Organic Practices Dominio de Pingus takes a holistic approach to winemaking, prioritizing sustainable and organic practices. The winery employs environmentally friendly techniques, such as cover cropping, natural pest control, and minimal use of chemicals, to maintain the health of the vineyards and preserve the biodiversity of the region. By working in harmony with nature, Dominio de Pingus produces wines that are not only of exceptional quality but also reflective of the land from which they come. In the pursuit of crafting wines that express the purest essence of the grapes and the terroir, Dominio de Pingus follows a philosophy of minimal intervention winemaking. The grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the finest fruit makes its way into the winery. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts, and oak aging is carried out in carefully selected French oak barrels. This hands-on approach allows the wines to develop their unique character while preserving their natural integrity. The crown jewels of Dominio de Pingus are undoubtedly the Pingus wines themselves. The flagship wine, Pingus, is a profound expression of Ribera del Duero, crafted from old-vine Tempranillo grapes. It is a wine of extraordinary depth, complexity, and age-ability, often described as one of Spain's most iconic wines. In addition to Pingus, the winery produces a second wine, Psi, which showcases the unique characteristics of different vineyard plots and offers a more approachable style. The limited production and exceptional quality of Dominio de Pingus wines have earned them a cult following among wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. The wines consistently receive high scores from critics and are highly sought after in the market. Their rarity and exclusivity make them a true treasure for wine connoisseurs who appreciate the artistry and dedication that goes into each bottle.