Dominio de Pingus

A Dane who conquered Spain with one of the most iconic wines ever: that’s how the story of Dominio de Pingus begins.

The history of Dominio de Pingus

Peter Sisseck, born in Denmark, arrived in Ribera del Duero in the early 1990s. He worked as an oenologist at Hacienda Monasterio and discovered the huge potential of the local Tinto Fino grape. In 1995 he made his first wine in a small garage in Quintanilla de Onésimo. It was named Pingus, after his Danish childhood nickname. What started as a small experiment quickly grew into a legend. When influential American wine critic Robert Parker tasted it, Pingus became world-famous overnight.

The winemaker Peter Sisseck

Sisseck is considered one of the most influential winemakers in Spain, even though he originally comes from Copenhagen. Before moving to Ribera del Duero, he gained experience in Bordeaux and California. That international background shaped his approach: respect for tradition combined with a sharp eye for detail and innovation. He works meticulously in the vineyards, strongly believes in biodynamic principles, and always sets the bar extremely high. This perfectionism explains why even his so-called ‘second wine’, Flor de Pingus, is sought after all over the world. His name is inseparable from quality and from redefining Ribera del Duero as a leading wine region.

Where does the name Pingus come from?

The name Pingus was Peter Sisseck’s childhood nickname in Denmark. Friends and family used it casually, without any special meaning. When he made his first own wine, he deliberately chose this nickname. It gave his project a personal and distinctive identity.

The vineyards and old vines

From the very beginning, Sisseck focused on old Tinto Fino vines. In Ribera del Duero these are becoming rare. Back in 1990 there were thousands of hectares of old vines, but today only a fraction remains. The vineyards for Pingus are located around the village of La Horra and consist of tiny plots. Some vines are more than 80 years old, surviving even before the phylloxera crisis. These old vines yield little fruit, but produce grapes of remarkable intensity and concentration.

The different wines of Pingus

Pingus itself comes from two special plots in La Horra: Barroso and San Cristóbal. The soils combine gravel, sand, clay, and limestone, creating a unique balance. Production is extremely limited, around 6,000 bottles a year.

Flor de Pingus is his second wine, made from sixteen plots around La Horra and Roa. Still largely old vines, complemented by younger plantings. Production is bigger, but still small compared to the demand.

Psi was launched in 2007 together with Pablo Rubio. This project is about working with local growers who own old vineyards. The idea is to make wines that stay true to Ribera del Duero’s traditions, showing balance and purity rather than just power. Psi is vinified in cement tanks and large oak casks, giving a fresher and more approachable style.

Climate and altitude in Ribera del Duero

The climate in Ribera del Duero is harshly continental. Summers are hot, winters cold, and the temperature swings between day and night are extreme. The vineyards sit high, between 700 and 920 meters. This altitude brings cooler nights, helping the grapes ripen slowly and maintain freshness. That’s why Pingus wines combine power with elegance and tension.

Interesting facts about Pingus

• The very first Pingus was literally made in a garage – a classic ‘garagiste’ story.
• Every grape for Pingus is destemmed by hand, one by one.
• Yields are extremely low: often only 11 hectoliters per hectare.
• Pingus was one of the first great names in Spain to embrace biodynamics.
• Because of its scarcity, Pingus bottles have become collectors’ items worldwide.

Order Dominio de Pingus online?

At Grandcruwijnen you can find the wines of Dominio de Pingus in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, ensuring perfect storage. Ordering is easy online. If you choose ‘Pick up’ at checkout, you’ll immediately see the discount for collection in Dordrecht.