Wines Okanagan Valley Summerhill Pyramid Winery - Marechal Foch - 2016

Summerhill Pyramid Winery’s Cuvée Marechal Foch 2016 is a fascinating red wine from the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. Produced from the Marechal Foch grape, a hybrid variety well-suited to cooler climates, this wine, from the 2016 vintage, typically offers bold, deeply coloured characteristics with vibrant acidity and generous fruit notes. The style often leans towards expressive dark cherry and plum, complemented by earthy undertones and sometimes subtle smoky or spicy nuances, derived from both the grape and careful vinification. Summerhill Pyramid Winery, renowned for their organic and biodynamic practices, allows the terroir to shine through — suggesting this cuvée prioritises varietal purity and regional expression, with discreet oak influence if any.

The Okanagan Valley is Canada’s most celebrated wine region, noted for its dramatic landscape of glacial lakes, rolling vineyards, and an impressively varied microclimate. Grapes here benefit from a lengthy growing season with hot summer days and cool nights, which helps the wines retain freshness and complexity. The soils are diverse, ranging from sandy to gravelly loams, bestowing a distinct mineral edge to many Okanagan reds. This, paired with the Valley’s relatively recent but ambitious winemaking history, fosters a sense of innovation grounded in respect for the land — a foundation upon which Summerhill Pyramid Winery has built its reputation.

For food pairings, a Marechal Foch from the Okanagan typically complements hearty dishes, thanks to its structure and depth. Think of roasted game, slow-cooked beef, or earthy mushroom-based recipes. The wine also works beautifully with regional fare such as grilled bison or elk, and can even stand up to tangy barbecue sauces or richly spiced vegetable stews. For a local twist, try it alongside a British Columbian salmon glazed with wild berries, as the wine’s fruit-forward profile and acidity balance the dish wonderfully.

To best enjoy this wine, serve at a slightly cool room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes can help the wine open up and reveal its complexity. This 2016 vintage is drinking well now but could continue to evolve nicely in the bottle for a few more years, depending on your preference for primary fruit or developing tertiary notes.