Loin de l'Oeil Grape variety guide: history, French regions, taste & food pairing
Loin de l'Oeil (Len de l'El in Occitan) is a native white grape of Gaillac in southwest France, giving soft, aromatic, round wines and a key element of Gaillac's traditional white blends.
Learn more about Loin de l'Oeil
History & origins
Loin de l'Oeil has been grown in Gaillac, one of France's oldest wine regions, for centuries. Its poetic name means "far from the eye": the bunch hangs on a long stalk, far from the bud (the "eye") on the vine shoot. Rarely found outside the Tarn, it is cherished by local growers for its ripeness and texture, and by Gaillac's natural winemakers who bottle it alone.
French regions & appellations
Gaillac AOC, where it is a principal white grape blended with Mauzac, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle; Gaillac Doux; and IGP Côtes du Tarn.
Taste profile
Medium to full body with low acidity, showing ripe pear, yellow apple, quince, white flowers, honey and almond; sweet versions add candied fruit and dried apricot.
Food pairing
Freshwater fish, roast poultry, pork terrine, veal in cream, goat cheese from Rocamadour; sweet styles with foie gras and fruit tarts.
Where Loin de l'Oeil grows in France
Wine regions: Sud-Ouest
Appellations: Gaillac