Spain's Ribera del Duero region continues to shine with its bold Tempranillo-driven wines, born from limestone-rich soils and the dramatic, dry climate of inland Spain. Winemaker Peter Sisseck has been passionate about this region and its vines since the 1990s, when he created what many called the benchmark wine for the region: Pingus! With that success, he looked to make an everyday wine that would straightforwardly reflect the land and its distinctive old, craggy, head-pruned vines. Together with Ribera del Duero winemaker, Pablo Rubio, they sought out families who would keep those old vines instead of replanting with younger, more productive ones. Offering a premium for the grapes, he also convinced them to farm organically - even biodynamically - in order to bring life back the soils, a key ingredient to make better wine.
The wine that was born from this project is Psi, a letter in the Greek alphabet and the form of the old head-pruned vine on the label. It's a more stripped-down representation of the region than his other wines, with a traditional style of winemaking that's more open and expressive on the palate, where the older oak barrels used for its extensive aging come through as subtle, well-meshed balsam spice.
Today, Psi is one of the best values in wine, and the 2021 vintage helped create one of the best versions to date. The old vines did their work, taking the irregular rains and heat in stride, imbuing the wine with a balance of ripe tones and refreshing lift. Reflecting tradition, where vineyards were planted with other supporting varieties, the savory-tinged, finely grippy Tempranillo is loosened up by the more fluid and juicier Garnacha, helping make this more friendly in its youthful state. Even with its veins of vibrancy and minerality, Psi's beautiful, mellow and balanced character, makes this a standout in the crowd! At this price, it won't last long!
ANTONIO GALLONI; VINOUS 96 POINTS - "The 2021 PSI is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha sourced from old vines planted in calcareous soils and was aged for up to 16 months in mostly sizeable French oak barrels. In the glass, it's garnet-red with a light purple sheen. The nose offers blood notes along with sour cherry and blackberry, intertwined with violets and dried flowers, resulting in a layered, complex profile. On the palate, it's dry and velvety. Chalky tannins define a compact mouthfeel and long-lasting fruit and floral flavors. The 2021 is a distinctive Ribera del Duero with excellent nuance and agility." - Joaquin Hidalgo
The wine that was born from this project is Psi, a letter in the Greek alphabet and the form of the old head-pruned vine on the label. It's a more stripped-down representation of the region than his other wines, with a traditional style of winemaking that's more open and expressive on the palate, where the older oak barrels used for its extensive aging come through as subtle, well-meshed balsam spice.
Today, Psi is one of the best values in wine, and the 2021 vintage helped create one of the best versions to date. The old vines did their work, taking the irregular rains and heat in stride, imbuing the wine with a balance of ripe tones and refreshing lift. Reflecting tradition, where vineyards were planted with other supporting varieties, the savory-tinged, finely grippy Tempranillo is loosened up by the more fluid and juicier Garnacha, helping make this more friendly in its youthful state. Even with its veins of vibrancy and minerality, Psi's beautiful, mellow and balanced character, makes this a standout in the crowd! At this price, it won't last long!
ANTONIO GALLONI; VINOUS 96 POINTS - "The 2021 PSI is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha sourced from old vines planted in calcareous soils and was aged for up to 16 months in mostly sizeable French oak barrels. In the glass, it's garnet-red with a light purple sheen. The nose offers blood notes along with sour cherry and blackberry, intertwined with violets and dried flowers, resulting in a layered, complex profile. On the palate, it's dry and velvety. Chalky tannins define a compact mouthfeel and long-lasting fruit and floral flavors. The 2021 is a distinctive Ribera del Duero with excellent nuance and agility." - Joaquin Hidalgo
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