# Pingus (2021)

- **Producer:** Dominio de Pingus
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Castilla y León, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €1450
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, blackberry, violet, black plum, sandalwood, cedar, vanilla, chocolate, mushroom, flint, black tea, tar, graphite

## About this wine

Pingus is the flagship wine of Dominio de Pingus, a Ribera del Duero estate founded by Danish winemaker Peter Sisseck. The wine is crafted from 100% Tempranillo grapes sourced from old vines, some planted as early as 1929, grown on clay-limestone soils. The estate is known for its commitment to biodynamic and organic farming practices. Pingus achieved cult status early in its history, recognized for its unique expression of terroir and meticulous winemaking.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards planted in 1929 contribute to the wine's complexity.
- Farming practices are biodynamic and organic.
- Achieved cult status shortly after its first vintage in 1995.
- Received perfect 100-point scores from major critics for the 2021 vintage.

## Food pairing

The wine's firm tannins and structure are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like lamb, beef, and duck. The wine's depth and complexity can stand up to robust flavors, while its subtle earthy notes can harmonize with ingredients like mushrooms and herbs.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Pingus begins with a manual harvest from old Tempranillo vines, characterized by very low yields. Fermentation occurs in concrete or stainless steel, followed by malolactic fermentation in oak barrels. The wine then undergoes an aging period of around 20 months in French oak, with a recent trend towards larger formats and used barrels. The overall approach emphasizes minimal intervention to highlight the expression of the vineyard's terroir.