Maréchal Foch
Also known as: Kuhlmann 188-2, Foch
Maréchal Foch
Summary
Maréchal Foch is a French-American hybrid developed by Eugène Kuhlmann in Alsace, named after the famous French military commander Ferdinand Foch. Prized for its extreme cold hardiness (-35°C), early ripening, and robust disease resistance, Maréchal Foch has become the dominant red hybrid variety in cold climate viticulture across northeastern North America, Canada, and increasingly in northern Europe. The variety produces deeply colored, structured red wines with firm tannins, offering versatility from fresh Gamay-like styles to serious, age-worthy wines that have won prestigious competitions against vinifera varieties.
Identity
VIVC: Entry #7306
Berry Color: NOIR
Type: French-American hybrid
Breeding Number: Kuhlmann 188-2
Creator: Eugène Kuhlmann, Alsace, France
Year: Early 20th century (released 1940s)
Name Origin: Named after Ferdinand Foch (1851-1929), Marshal of France and Supreme Allied Commander in WWI.
Genetic Origin
Parentage: Millardet et de Grasset 101-14 × Goldreisling
Breaking down the parentage:
- Millardet et de Grasset 101-14: American hybrid (V. riparia × V. rupestris); provides cold hardiness
- Goldreisling: German vinifera (Riesling × Courtiller musqué); provides quality
Related Variety: Léon Millot is a sibling variety (same cross)
Character Difference: Maréchal Foch produces firmer, more tannic wines than the softer Léon Millot
Disease Resistance Profile
| Disease | Resistance Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downy Mildew | HIGH | Strong resistance |
| Powdery Mildew | HIGH | Strong resistance |
| Botrytis | HIGH | Good resistance |
| Black Rot | HIGH | Strong resistance |
Spray Reduction: 70-90% reduction vs. vinifera
Cold Hardiness: EXTREME—survives -35°C (-31°F)
Distribution
Total Global Plantings: ~1,000 hectares
| Region | Hectares | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA (Northeast) | ~400 | Dominant red hybrid |
| Canada | ~350 | Major variety |
| USA (Midwest) | ~150 | Significant |
| UK | ~50 | Growing |
| Germany | ~30 | Established |
| Other | ~20 | Various |
Key Importance: The most planted red hybrid in cold climate North America
Cold Climate Viticulture Pioneer
Maréchal Foch enables red wine production where vinifera cannot survive:
Critical Regions
- New York: Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley
- Vermont: Dominant red variety
- Canada: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia
- Minnesota: Northern vineyards
Survival Factors
- Survives -35°C (-31°F) without protection
- Short growing season (~110 days)
- Early ripening before autumn frosts
- Reliable cropping in marginal conditions
Viticulture
Growth Characteristics
- Vigor: Medium to high
- Growth Habit: Semi-erect
- Budbreak: Early (may need frost protection)
- Flowering: Early to mid-season
- Véraison: EARLY
- Harvest: VERY EARLY (late August-September)
Climate Requirements
- Ideal Climate: Cool to very cold
- Heat Summation: 800-1,400 GDD (base 10°C)
- Cold Hardiness: Survives -35°C (-31°F)
- Growing Season: Short—ripens in ~110 days
Soil Preferences
- Adaptable: Various soil types
- Tolerant: Diverse conditions
- Effect: Terroir influences style
Viticultural Management
- Training: Various systems (VSP, GDC, high cordon)
- Pruning: Standard practices
- Yield Control: 50-80 hl/ha for quality
- Spray Program: Significantly reduced
- Winter Protection: Usually not required
Enology
Must Parameters at Harvest
| Parameter | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brix | 20-24° | Good accumulation |
| pH | 3.2-3.6 | Variable |
| Titratable Acidity | 7.0-11.0 g/L | Often high |
| YAN | 150-250 mg/L | May need supplementation |
Phenolic Profile
- Anthocyanins: HIGH (excellent color)
- Total Tannins: HIGH (firm structure)
- Character: Structured, age-worthy
Fermentation
- Yeast Selection: Various options
- Temperature: 24-30°C
- Duration: 7-21 days
- Maceration: Variable by style
- Cap Management: Regular punch-downs
Wine Styles
The versatility of Maréchal Foch:
| Style | Method | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Nouveau/Fresh | Short maceration, no oak | Gamay-like, fruity |
| Classic | Moderate maceration, oak | Balanced, structured |
| Reserve | Extended maceration, barriques | Age-worthy, complex |
| Fortified | Port-style | Rich, sweet |
Oak Aging
- Optional to Recommended: Style dependent
- Duration: 6-18 months
- Type: French or American oak
- Effect: Softens tannins; adds complexity
Aging Potential
- Fresh Style: 1-3 years
- Oak-Aged: 5-10 years
- Reserve: 10+ years
Sensory Profile
Visual
- Intensity: Deep
- Hue: Purple to ruby-garnet
- Character: Excellent color
Aromatic Profile
| Category | Descriptors |
|---|---|
| Fruit | DARK FRUIT (black cherry, plum, blackberry) |
| Spice | Black pepper, clove |
| Herbal | Herbs, tomato leaf (young) |
| Oak | Cedar, vanilla, smoke (if oaked) |
| Tertiary | Leather, earth, tobacco (with age) |
Palate
- Body: Medium to full
- Acidity: Medium to high
- Tannins: FIRM (signature characteristic)
- Alcohol: Moderate (12-14%)
- Finish: Long, structured
Quality Potential
Well-made Maréchal Foch:
- Competes with vinifera in blind tastings
- Has won major competitions
- No “foxy” hybrid character when well made
Winemaker Considerations
Challenges
- High Acidity: May need management
- Firm Tannins: Require aging or technique
- Hybrid Perception: Marketing challenge
- Herbaceous Notes: Young wines can be green
- Early Budbreak: Spring frost risk
Opportunities
- Cold Hardiness: Enables northern viticulture
- Color/Structure: Serious red wine potential
- Versatility: Multiple successful styles
- Competition Success: Awards validate quality
- Sustainability: Excellent disease resistance
Winemaking Tips
- Extended maceration for complex wines
- Oak aging softens tannins
- MLF recommended for acidity management
- Blending smooths rough edges
- Age before release (improves significantly)
Competition Success
Maréchal Foch has proven its quality:
- Gold medals in blind tastings
- Defeated vinifera in competitions
- Recognized by sommeliers and critics
- Demonstrates hybrid quality potential
The Foch-Millot Sibling Comparison
| Characteristic | Maréchal Foch | Léon Millot |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Deep | Medium |
| Tannins | Firm | Soft |
| Body | Fuller | Lighter |
| Style | Structured | Elegant |
| Comparison | Gamay/Syrah | Pinot Noir |
| Use | Age-worthy | Early drinking |
Sources
- VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
- Cornell University Viticulture Research
- PIWI International Association
- Quebec Wine Council
- Northern Grapes Project
- Reisch, B. et al. (1993). Wine and juice grape varieties for cool climates. Cornell Cooperative Extension. Cornell Link
Last Updated: January 13, 2026