loin de l'oeil?

R

russell briggs

Russell Briggs
Anyone know aught about this grape? I opened a very nice Gaillac Blanc last night, from Rotier, and was surprised to find it was predominately from this variety. Nice lip-smacking acidity, like a softer Sauvignon Blanc, and a definite minerally, stony aspect. Quite light on its feet for a warm-climate white. Probably not a lot of Gaillac down here in New Zealand, so don't know if this is a typical quality level, but will be keeping my eyes open.
 
the common name for this grape is 'len de l'el' or len de l'elh', which is the gaillac dialect for 'loin de l'oeil', meaning 'far from sight'.

this is from jancis robinson's guide to wine grapes.
 
From Oz Clarke's Encyclopedia of Grapes (2001):

Len de l'El

The name of this grape, native to south-west France, means 'far from sight'--it is a corruption of 'Loin de d'Oeil'. A curious name for a vine, you might think: the clusters have long stalks, and so are a long way (well, relatively) from the eye, or bud, from which they sprang.

It's true that plantings have declined, but there is a minimum (15 per cent) of Len de L'El required in the blend for white Gaillac (although Sauvignon Blanc is allowed as an alternative) so it is to be hoped that this characterful grape will not disappear completely from view. It is low in acidity and the grapes rot easily, but the wine is powerful, weighty and good. Best producers: (France) de Causses-Marines, de Labarthe, Labastide-de-Lvis co-op.
 
Rotier is a well respected and decent grower.

The most interesting stuff I've drank in the AOC has been all the wacky grape varieties from Plageoles. Some of the wines are available on the West Coast of America.
 
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