Country/State: Italy
Region: Valle d'Aosta
Varietal: Petit Rouge
Danilo Thomain is the sole independent grower in Valle d’Aosta (Aosta Valley), Italy’s smallest and least populous region. In fact, the Thomain vineyard is only as large as one hectare (roughly 2 and half acres). Surrounded by mountains the vineyards of the Enfer d’Arvier appellation are situated in a bowl-shaped site on steep slopes in a high-altitude valley. The shape of this “bowl” of vineyards effectively concentrates the heat of the sun. The intense heat of the growing season inspires the region’s name, L’Enfer, from the French word for hell, thus giving birth to the “hell of Arvier” moniker. Made from the Petit Rouge grape, and the combination of site, soil, grape, climate and winemaking create a slightly rustic, intense wine with dark cherry tones and a rustic, savage untamed nature.
