The Serrana wine region is located in central Argentina, spanning the provinces of Córdoba and San Luis. Surrounded by the Sierras de Córdoba and Sierras de San Luis, this region blends historical significance with modern boutique winemaking. While smaller in vineyard area compared to Mendoza or Salta, it is increasingly known for its high-quality wines and tourism.
The region is centred around the central mountain ranges. Vineyards are typically planted between 400 and 1,300 meters above sea level, with hilly terrain offering varied microclimates and soils. Key wine-growing areas include Calamuchita, Traslasierra, and Punilla in Córdoba, as well as the valleys of Concarán and Carpintería in San Luis.
The region has a temperate to continental climate, influenced by altitude. Summers are warm and dry, with cool nights that preserve acidity in grapes. Annual rainfall ranges from 500 to 800 mm, concentrated in summer, allowing for rainfed and irrigated viticulture.
Córdoba has one of the oldest wine histories in Argentina, dating back to the 16th century when Jesuit missionaries planted vines to produce sacramental wine. The region declined in the 20th century due to the centralisation of the wine industry, but has seen a revival in recent decades, with a focus on high-quality, small-scale production and sustainable practices. Interestingly, Villa General Belgrano in Córdoba hosts one of the largest Oktoberfests outside Germany, pairing craft beer with local wines.
Though smaller in volume, Córdoba and San Luis are growing fast in reputation. Córdoba had approximately 300 hectares under vine as of the latest figures, with around 20 active wineries. San Luis remains more exploratory but has vineyards developing in areas like Carpintería and El Volcán.
Top Stats
Harvest
Feb to Apr
Annual ave. temperature
22-26°C
Area of Vine
300 hectares
Altitude
400-1,300m
Annual rainfall
500-800 mm
Principal Varietals
Argentina’s flagship red grape, Malbec, produces deeply colored wines with rich flavours of dark fruits, floral notes, and balanced acidity. In the Serrana region, particularly in higher altitude areas like the Sierras de Córdoba, Malbec benefits from cooler nights and significant diurnal temperature variation. This results in wines with enhanced aromatic complexity and freshness, often exhibiting notes of violets, blackberries, and subtle spice.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a globally renowned red variety, and here in the Serrana region, it yields structured wines with firm tannins and notes of blackcurrant, pepper, and herbal nuances. The sunny, dry climate with cool nights in the Serrana region allows Cabernet Sauvignon to develop bold flavours while maintaining balance through acidity and structure. Wines from this area often display a combination of ripe fruit and herbal characteristics, with potential for ageing and complexity.
Syrah thrives in the Serrana region’s intense sun and dry air, producing full-bodied, deeply colored wines with black fruit, liquorice, and sometimes smoky or meaty notes. High elevation cools down the nights, adding elegance and lifting Syrah’s natural spice. In areas like San Javier and Yacanto, Syrah can exhibit a balance of ripe fruit and savoury elements, resulting in particularly intense and structured wines.
A uniquely Argentine white grape, Torrontés is renowned for its highly aromatic profile, characterised by notes of jasmine, citrus, and stone fruit. In the Serrana region, Torrontés benefits from the high elevations and cooler climates, especially in areas like Calamuchita and Traslasierra. These conditions enhance its signature aromas while preserving acidity, resulting in fresh, vibrant white wines with floral lift and a crisp, dry finish.
Chardonnay in the Serrana region produces wines ranging from crisp and mineral-driven to richer, oak-influenced styles. The varied microclimates of the Serrana region allow for diverse expressions of Chardonnay. In cooler, higher-altitude areas, the grapes yield wines with bright acidity and citrus notes. In warmer zones, it can develop fuller-bodied wines with tropical fruit flavours and potential for oak ageing.
Source: wines of Argentina,