The “Enfer” area includes the municipalities of Arvier, Avise and Saint-Nicolas. 

The territory is characterized by a very warm microclimate, the vineyards grow at over 800 meters above sea level in a spectacular natural amphitheater, with southern exposure, characterized by strong solar radiation, hence the nickname of “hell”. 

The vineyards are arranged in upright rows or, in the new plants, in ciglioni where a partial mechanization of the cultivation operations is possible; this is not possible in the terraces located to the east, next to the river, where the small plots connected by stone stairs represent a spectacle as characteristic as it is extreme for cultivation. 

Despite the high altitude, it is the nature of the soil, the excellent exposure, the thermal flywheel effect exerted by the dry stone walls and the abundant rocks that guarantee the full ripening of red grapes, even quite late. 

The characteristic grape is the Petit rouge which in this area, given the particular climatic and environmental conditions, generates a unique wine of its kind. Petit rouge is considered by many to be the best black grape variety in the Aosta Valley, a real native. 

With the exception of some rare exceptions, the area currently represents the limit for the cultivation of red grape varieties. In addition to the Petit Rouge, the Vien de Nus, the Pinot nero and the Mayolet, the earliest of the Aosta Valley natives, are also grown. The only grape variety destined for the production of white in this area is Pinot gris. 

Geographical mention: Enfer d’Arvier