PSI

Having established Pingus as a new benchmark for greatness in Spanish wine, Peter Sisseck has embarked on a new quest: to produce a wine that captures the soul of Ribera del Duero. And he is making that vision a reality by harnessing the passion of the region’s growers who, for far too long, lacked the tools, capital, and vision to make wine that is truly “theirs.” And thus, Ψ Psi was born.

It started as a Utopian idea. It was born of Peter’s passionate belief in organic and biodynamic farming, as well as his gratitude to the region for giving a young Danish winemaker the opportunity to make arguably Spain’s most coveted wine. And that idea was given even greater urgency as he watched the region’s oldest vineyards disappear.

Peter always felt that, though the region’s old vineyards had enormous potential, the median quality of local farming was poor. That was due to the fact that historically growers in Ribera del Duero had been paid by the ton. In other words, because they were paid for quantity and not quality. Peter wanted to change that. 

Much work would be needed to restore the soil and improve viticultural practices, and Peter realized that buying the oldest vineyards was unlikely, given the growers’ deep attachment to their land. But what if he could involve the growers in a cooperative project, to produce better, more natural grapes? By providing economic incentives, and by actively engaging the growers’ passion for their land, he could achieve two goals: to obtain the kind of healthy, balanced fruit he desired, while also improving the health of the vineyards—and the wallets of their owners.

Between the time he dedicates to the growers, and the relatively modest prices he charges, Ψ Psi is clearly a labor of love for Peter. But that’s just how he wants it—as a way to give back to the region that has given him so much.