Ok. First, what the heck is Foch? According to wikipedia (yes, this grape is unusual enough that it was NOT on the Wine Info site) : It was named after the French marshal named Foch and my have been a cross between Goldriesling (itself a cross of riesling and courtiller musque) and a non-wine grape variety for hardiness.
This wine from Quail’s Gate is described on their website as:
Very dark and inky in colour, with powerful aromatics of dark brooding black fruits, sweet oak and earthy savoury complexities that are only found in Marechal Foch. The palate is rich and round with soft lush tannins.
The key for me is “only found in Marechal Foch.” I think that is spot-on. I tried to place this in the usual pantheon of Syrah - Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot - Pinot Noir, but just could not. On longer reflection, this is more like the Vinogorje Hvar Zlatan Plavac that I had a while ago (I hope I spelled that right).
There were, at times, a feeling of dark black fruit or fruit leathers. A rather dark wine in color. I’ll agree that it had a savory character that I think may have needed to be matched with a long-braised meat dish. Something rustic rather than something haute cuisine.
Oh… and I can add another grape to the list at #38!
And for those of you who might be wondering…I tried this while up in Canada. I’ll be posting on some really great eats in Whistler Village. And the skiing was fantastic!
Filed under: Wine
