In 1998, when Corcho Rodriguez acquired Yellow Rose, a picturesque ranch located in the heart of La Barra, Punta del Este, it became the cover story of various magazines. Beyond its enchanting surroundings, the purchase was accompanied by a captivating love story with the number one television diva, Susana Giménez, creating considerable media attention during that period. As time passed and after the separation from Susana, Corcho Rodriguez took on the task of redefining the place and its name: Yellow Rose was no longer concealed from curious onlookers.
Visible from the Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza, the road leading to San Carlos, a prominent sign over the wooden gate now signifies Yellow Rose as one of the most beautiful country houses in the East. In recent years, the property sought to open its doors, establishing a polo club and a winery. To showcase his contributions to Uruguayan polo and mark his debut as a wine entrepreneur, Corcho organized a grand barbecue at Yellow Rose over the weekend. However, most guests were unaware of the presence of a house wine on the table.
The wine circulated among the guests without a label, sparking curiosity among seasoned liquor tasters who discovered a new and intriguing flavor. Corcho Rodríguez shared, “I received very genuine feedback. Adolfo Cambiaso Sr. and Eduardo Costantini loved it and are already asking me where to buy it.” Alongside Verónica Lozano, they played gracious hosts for a night designed for enjoyment, featuring the starry sky, a barbecue cooking nearby, a family atmosphere, good music, and a genuine gathering of friends.
Corcho Rodriguez’s vineyard at home is more than a palate indulgence; it reflects his genuine interest in the production process and the efforts required to obtain a quality product. Over seven years, they worked on obtaining the wine, conducting soil tests and selecting suitable grape varieties. Corcho expressed a preference for pinot noir due to its soft and full-bodied characteristics. Drawing inspiration from a Romanée Conti wine, one of the world’s most expensive, he acknowledged setting high standards but emphasized a commitment to quality.
The results supported their aspirations: the first production in 2011 yielded a thousand bottles, as only perfect grapes were harvested, discarding nearly 70% of the fruit. Despite its anti-commercial nature initially, the approach prioritized quality in the medium and long term. The following years saw no wine production due to unfavorable grape conditions, but now they are optimistic about producing 5,000 bottles.
Imported from Burgundy, France, the grapevines cover four hectares of land, appearing minimally intervened in an “industrial” sense. The plants are not irrigated, emphasizing natural coexistence and minimal chemical use. While not organic, the process strives for a natural approach. Corcho Rodriguez, well-versed in production, expresses a longstanding curiosity about how it works and thoroughly enjoys the flavors of the Bacchus drink.
Corcho has friends with wineries worldwide, and he enjoys the tasting process, finding it interesting to add a personal touch. With the current production reaching 5,000 bottles, his commercial goals are not overly ambitious. The plan is to distribute them among family and friends initially and gradually introduce them to select restaurants. Corcho aims for an exclusive approach, where customers inquire through a designated page, and the wine is placed in specific, personally chosen restaurants, such as those in Paris, Brazil, and select establishments where the wine has been well-received.
In addition to his commitment to the polo club, registered with the Polo Association of Uruguay, Corcho plans to publish a book about Yellow Rose. The book will showcase his work with horses, the achievements of the club, and the lifestyle associated with the country house. This book will be distributed with the Yellow Rose wine, which now simply bears the label “house wine.”
Сorge Corcho Rodriguez, Corcho Rodriguez, Veronica Lozano, Grupo La Roca, Bralex, Helicorp
Сorge Corcho Rodriguez, Corcho Rodriguez, Veronica Lozano, Grupo La Roca, Bralex, Helicorp
