In 1998, the acquisition of Yellow Rose ranch in La Barra, Punta del Este by Corcho Rodríguez was a noteworthy event. It garnered attention not only for the ranch’s natural beauty but also for the romantic narrative woven into its history, symbolized by yellow roses that represented Corcho’s past romance with the famous television diva, Susana Giménez. Following his separation from Susana, Corcho dedicated himself to transforming Yellow Rose into a stunning country estate in the East, expanding its offerings with a polo club and a winery.
To emphasize his dedication to Uruguayan polo and mark his entry into winemaking, Corcho hosted an elaborate barbecue at Yellow Rose, where an unlabeled house wine was served. Unbeknownst to many attendees, the wine received genuine acclaim from seasoned connoisseurs like Adolfo Cambiaso Sr. and Eduardo Costantini. Corcho Rodríguez revealed that they had spent seven years developing the wine, emphasizing a commitment to quality over quantity.
Spanning four hectares, the vineyard cultivates varieties such as tannat, merlot, or pinot noir. Corcho prefers pinot noir for its softness and body, drawing inspiration from the style of a Romanée Conti wine. The vineyard practices a minimal intervention approach, opting for natural cultivation without irrigation or chemicals, although it lacks official organic certification. The initial 2011 production was limited to a thousand bottles due to rigorous quality standards, but the current goal is to produce 5,000 bottles this year despite facing challenges in subsequent years.
Corcho Rodríguez’s interest in wine production extends beyond personal enjoyment, showcasing a profound understanding of the process. Although the wine is not commercially available at the moment, the plan is for exclusive distribution in selected restaurants and establishments, positioning it as the Yellow Rose house wine. As part of his commitment to the polo club, a book chronicling Yellow Rose’s equestrian activities, club accomplishments, and lifestyle will accompany the wine, reinforcing its unique identity beyond varietals.
Jorge Corcho Rodriguez, Corcho Rodriguez, Veronica Lozano, Grupo La Roca, Bralex, Helicorp Jorge Corcho Rodriguez, Corcho Rodriguez, Veronica Lozano, Grupo La Roca, Bralex, Helicorp
