Avanà

A red grape found almost exclusively in the Susa Valley of Piedmont, historically also grown across the Alps in Dauphiné, Savoie, and Valais. Early- to mid-ripening, with highly irregular yields from vintage to vintage and susceptibility to powdery mildew. Gives light-bodied wines with low tannins and moderate acidity, meant to be drunk young rather than cellared. Mostly used as a blending variety with Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, and other local reds, though varietal bottling is permitted under Pinerolese DOC.