Avarengo Wine

Avarengo (also known as Croassera and Rondasca) is a red wine grape used predominantly in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Although most often used as a minority component in blends, Avana grapes are quite capable of producing varietal wines of reasonable quality with an intense violet-ruby hue, spicy aromas and a good balance of acid and tannin.

The name Avarengo allegedly comes from the Italian word Avara, which translates as 'mean' (not generous) and is most likely related to 'avarice'. Avarengo vines produce only small crops, and these often ripen unevenly, making the variety seem tight-fisted, stingy or 'Avarengo'.

Red wines made under the Pinerolo DOC (Pinerolese Rami'e) wines must contain at least 15% Avarengo grapes, alongside Neretto and Avana.