Overview
Serra do Sudeste is a young wine region in southeastern Rio Grande do Sul, centered on the towns of Encruzilhada do Sul and Pinheiro Machado. Viticulture began in earnest only in the 1980s and 1990s, when producers from Serra Gaúcha began investing in new land with cooler nights, lower rainfall, and soils rich in basalt and limestone.
The region's elevation of 400 to 500 meters and granitic-basaltic soils have proven especially suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both for still wines and sparkling base wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tannat, and Portuguese varieties such as Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz are also gaining attention as the region establishes its identity.
Key Varietals
- Pinot NoirA light, red-fruit red that shows elegance and finesse in the region's cooler microclimate.
- ChardonnayA crisp, mineral white used for premium still wines and sparkling bases.
- Cabernet SauvignonA structured red that gains complexity from the region's basaltic soils.
- MerlotA plummy, approachable red that rounds out many local blends.
Region snapshot
Climate
Cool subtropical with maritime influence
Rainfall
1,400-1,600mm annually
Soil Types
Basalt and granite-derived soils with loamy texture