Les Passeurs de Vins, Marquès del Villar Tinto 2023

Les Passeurs de Vins, Marquès del Villar Tinto 2023 is a characterful Rioja made for everyday enjoyment, but with the structure and depth that make it stand out from the crowd. Crafted from 95% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo, it delivers the classic Spanish profile of ripe fruit, fine tannins, and a subtle spicy edge. It comes from a collaborative project that brings together French and Basque wine expertise, adding a thoughtful cross-border story to this approachable red.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, it shows a deep ruby-red colour with plenty of youthful brightness. The nose is dominated by ripe cherry and dark berry fruit, lifted by gentle spice and a hint of earthy warmth. On the palate, it is medium-bodied to full-bodied with a supple core of mature red fruit, firm but well-integrated tannins, and a smooth, robust finish. The Mazuelo adds a touch of freshness and grip, helping the wine feel balanced and giving it enough structure to age gracefully for a few years, though it is already very enjoyable now.

Production
This wine is rooted in the heart of Rioja, where the climate and soils are well suited to Tempranillo, producing wines with ripe fruit, balance, and natural structure. The small addition of Mazuelo contributes acidity, colour, and extra backbone. Vinification is focused on preserving the wine’s fruit-forward character while allowing enough extraction to build the generous texture and tannic frame that define the style.

Food & Serving
A versatile Rioja like this pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roast chicken, lamb, tapas, chorizo, and hearty vegetable dishes. Serve it at around 16-18°C, and if opened young, a short decant of 20-30 minutes can help soften the tannins and bring out the fruit.

Producer
Les Passeurs de Vins is a joint project between Lionel Osmin and Imanol Harinordoquy, founded on a shared ambition to create expressive wines that reflect both craftsmanship and openness to collaboration. Lionel Osmin is well known for building a respected winery in southwest France, while Imanol brings strong Basque winemaking roots to the partnership. Launched in 2013 after their first meeting in 2010, the project reflects a modern, transnational approach to wine while staying true to regional identity and quality.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.