Region and Vineyards
Pingus PSI 2023 comes from Ribera del Duero in Castilla y León, one of Spain's most celebrated red-wine regions, where high plateaus, intense sunlight and cool nights help Tempranillo retain freshness while developing deep colour and firm structure. The fruit is grown on clay-limestone soils between 850 and 950 m altitude, conditions that favour aromatic precision, fine tannins and a mineral undertone.
PSI is conceived as a grower-focused expression of Ribera del Duero, sourced from hundreds of old-vine parcels rather than a single estate block. The 2023 cuvée draws on 630 different parcels, preserving the identity of small, traditional vineyards while giving the wine remarkable regional breadth. In a hot, dry year, these older vines showed admirable resilience, producing grapes with generous fruit, balanced acidity and the poised ripeness that defines the vintage.
Winemaking
The blend is led by 90% Tempranillo, known locally as Tinto Fino, with 10% Grenache adding brightness, spice and a gentle red-fruited lift. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats, a choice that helps preserve fruit purity and texture while avoiding an overly marked oak signature. The result is a wine that feels expressive, precise and naturally Ribera del Duero in character.
Ageing is carried out in large oak foudres, with part of the wine matured in new barrels. This combination gives PSI 2023 its polished frame without overwhelming the fruit. The wine is scheduled for bottling in May or June 2025, and its structure suggests excellent evolution over the next decade. Serve at 16 to 18°C, ideally after a short decant in its youth to let the tannins soften and the floral, dark-fruited aromas unfold.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep ruby with a youthful, concentrated core and bright violet reflections.
- Aroma: Cassis, blackberry and dark cherry lead the nose, followed by sweet spice, licorice, violet, pepper and a subtle graphite note.
- Palate: Supple and fresh on entry, with fine, silky tannins supporting elegant black fruit. The palate is balanced rather than heavy, finishing long, vibrant and lightly spicy.
Did you know?
PSI was created as more than a third wine of Pingus. It is a project designed to support local Ribera del Duero growers and help preserve old vines that might otherwise be abandoned. That gives the wine a social and viticultural purpose, as well as a highly attractive fine-wine pedigree.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Roast lamb shoulder: The wine's ripe black fruit and polished tannins match the richness of slow-cooked lamb, while its freshness cuts through the savoury fat.
- Galician beef sirloin grilled over vine cuttings: Charred meat, smoke and umami echo the wine's graphite, pepper and dark-fruit profile.
- Duck with peppers: Tempranillo's cherry and cassis notes complement duck's richness, while Grenache brings lift to the sweet pepper flavours.
- Aged Manchego: The cheese's nutty, salty depth works beautifully with PSI's spice, fruit density and fine tannic grip.
