The Avanà grape variety is native to the province of Turin, with its greatest presence in Val di Susa. Its affinity with some French grape varieties such as Troyan and Gamay d’Orléans suggests an origin from across the Alps, dating back to when Piedmont was united with Savoy. DNA analysis later revealed that the Hibou noir grape, cultivated in Savoy (France) and Valais (Switzerland), is the same as Avanà, which is still grown in Val di Susa in Piedmont. From 1418 to 1713, Piedmont, Savoy, and Valais were all part of the Duchy of Savoy, and it is likely that during this period, Avanà spread throughout the area, although today the grape is primarily found in Piedmont.

Avanà experienced a decline after the advent of phylloxera and is now marginal. Today, it is found almost exclusively in the Val di Susa region, which connects the city of Turin to the French wine region of Savoy through the Alps. In 2000, there were only 30 hectares of the grape variety. Avanà is an allowed variety in the red types of Pinerolese DOC (since 1996) and Valsusa DOC (since 1997). With a minimum of 30%, it is included in the Pinerolese DOC “Ramie” type. No regulation provides for a pure variety type.