Marechal Foch: France’s forgotten Variety Marechal Foch is a French-American hybrid red grape variety, widely used in cool climates for its hardiness and versatility. Boasting a deep purple colour, intense aromas and a distinctively fruity taste profile, this grape variety can be found in various winemaking regions in Europe and North America.

The Marechal-Foch grape gives rise to dark red wines with a deep purple color, which may also have violet reflections. Its aromas are usually intense, with notes of blackberries, cherries and plums, but also with hints of spices, leather and tobacco. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and tannic.

Marechal Foch is mostly grown in cool climates, such as in Switzerland, the Czech Republic’s Moravia region, as well as in North America’s Mid-Atlantic region, including New York and Oregon. It is used to be common in the Loire Valley, but has been replaced with other varieties. The Marechal Foch grape is very hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -32° C, making it ideal for cooler climates. It is also very disease-resistant and low-maintenance, making it easier to cultivate. The grapes are usually harvested in late autumn, and the wines produced from it are usually unoaked. In Poland, the wines are usually light-bodied, with a dark red colour and high tannins. In the Czech Republic, Marechal Foch wines are usually light-bodied and fruity, with aromas of cherries, plums and spices. In North America, the wines are usually light-bodied and fruity, with aromas of cherries and plums. Marechal Foch wines are versatile and can be paired with a wide range of dishes, from lighter fare such as grilled vegetables and fish, to heavier dishes such as red meat and rich sauces. They can also be enjoyed simply on their own.

Marechal Foch is a French-American hybrid variety, named after the famous French military leader, Marshal Ferdinand Foch.

It is the result of a cross between the Vitis riparia and Vitis rupestris varieties, and was first bred in France in the 1940s.