Marechal Foch
Used to produce a variety of styles of wine, MarĂ©chal Foch is a hybrid French red wine grape. Itâs a cross between Goldriesling and a Native American Vitis. The origins of MarĂ©chal Foch go back to the early 1900âs, where it was discovered by Eugene Kuhlmann. It made its way over to North America and can be found most notably in Canada and the United States. Similar to Baco Noir, it benefits from cool growing temperatures and has the ability to survive harsh growing conditions.
Typically, it produces a deep, dark, robust purple-coloured red wine that has strong acidity and mild tannins. Full bodied and often aged with oak, Maréchal Foch has aromas of black fruits such as black cherry and blackberry, smoke, vanilla and spice. It has a juicy, well-rounded finish.
You will find MarĂ©chal Foch most commonly in Nova Scotia, across southern Ontario and Quebec, and in B.Câs Okanagan Valley. It can also be found in some areas of the United States such as Minnesota and Oregon.
Because of its acidity, it is a food friendly wine. Pair it with grilled salmon steak with sautéed mushrooms or even a chocolate mousse.
In summary, Maréchal Foch has the following characteristics:
- Hybrid French red wine grape
- Discovered by Eugeen Kuhlmann in 1910
- Cross between Goldriesling and American Vitis
- Most notably grown in Canada and the United States
- Benefits from cool temperatures and can survive harsh growing conditions
- Produces a deep, dark, robust purple-coloured red wine
- Strong acidity with mild tannins
- Full bodied with aromas of black fruits, smoke, vanilla and spice
- Rich flavours of black cherry and other dark berries
- Found in Nova Scotia, Southern Ontario and Quebec, and in B.Câs Okanagan Valley
- Goes well with salmon, steak or even chocolate desserts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Maréchal Foch wine, and is it the same as Pinot Noir?
A: MarĂ©chal Foch is a French hybrid red grape, meaning it was bred for reliability in cooler climates. It is not the same as Pinot Noir; it usually pours darker, tastes bolder, and leans into juicy dark fruit with a bit of smoky spice. If you like reds with brightness and snap, itâs a fun one to try.
Q: What does Marechal Foch typically taste like?
A: Expect black cherry, blackberry, sometimes a little smoke, vanilla, and baking spice, especially if there is some oak in the mix. It often feels full-bodied, with lively acidity and mild tannins, so it comes across rich but not super drying.
Q: Is Marechal Foch a good red wine for beginners who find reds too harsh?
A: It can be, especially if you struggle with very tannic reds that make your mouth feel chalky. Maréchal Foch tends to have milder tannins, so it often feels smoother, while the acidity keeps it fresh. If you usually like Gamay or lighter Cab Franc, this is a natural step up.
Q: What food pairs well with Maréchal Foch?
A: The acidity makes it an easy dinner wine; think grilled salmon, steak, mushrooms, and anything a little smoky from the grill. It also works surprisingly well with darker chocolate desserts like chocolate mousse, because the fruit and spice play nicely together.
Q: Is MarĂ©chal Foch a sweet wine, and why does it sometimes taste âjuicyâ?
A: Most MarĂ©chal Foch wines are made dry, not sweet. The âjuicyâ impression usually comes from ripe dark-berry flavour plus fresh acidity, not leftover sugar. If you want to be sure, look for words like âdryâ or âbone-dryâ in the tasting notes.