In 1998, when Corcho Rodriguez acquired Yellow Rose, a charming ranch situated in the heart of La Barra, Punta del Este, it garnered significant attention, adorning numerous magazine covers. The focus expanded beyond its picturesque setting to the captivating narrative of the yellow roses, once symbolizing the love story between Rodriguez and the renowned television personality, Susana Giménez. Despite their highly publicized relationship at the time, Rodriguez, after their separation, committed himself to reshaping the property and its identity.
Yellow Rose now stands revealed to curious onlookers; travelers along the Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza can behold its prominent sign adorning the wooden gate. This sign no longer pays homage to Susana but heralds it as one of the most exquisite country estates in the region. In recent years, Yellow Rose has embraced new opportunities, establishing a polo club and venturing into winemaking. To commemorate Rodriguez’s contributions to Uruguayan polo and his foray into wine production, a lavish barbecue was held at Yellow Rose over the weekend. However, the presence of a house wine on the table intrigued many guests, especially seasoned liquor enthusiasts who were captivated by its novel and distinct flavor.
Corcho Rodríguez revealed to LA NACION, “I received very authentic feedback. Adolfo Cambiaso Sr. and Eduardo Costantini loved it and are already inquiring about where to purchase it.” Alongside Verónica Lozano, they hosted a luxurious evening featuring a starry sky, a nearby barbecue, a familial atmosphere, good music, and a gathering of friends.
For Rodriguez, having a vineyard at home transcends mere palate indulgence; he takes a profound interest in the production process and the intricate steps involved in crafting a high-quality product. In a conversation with LA NACION, Rodriguez disclosed that they had been laboring for seven years to produce the wine. After conducting a soil analysis with Caterina Viña, the winemaker, they identified three suitable grape varieties: tannat, merlot, or pinot noir. Rodriguez favors pinot noir for its gentle yet full-bodied characteristics, aspiring to emulate the model of a Romanée Conti wine, one of the world’s most esteemed vintages.
The initial production in 2011 yielded a thousand bottles, as only flawless grapes were harvested, with nearly 70% of the fruit discarded. Despite appearing non-commercial, Rodriguez underscores the enhanced quality in the medium and long term. No wine was produced in 2012 and 2013 due to unfavorable grape conditions, but their aim is now to produce 5000 bottles. The vines, sourced from Burgundy, France, occupy four hectares of land, appearing minimally intervened by industrial processes.
“They are not irrigated; we allow them to gain strength and coexist with nature without irrigation or chemicals. It’s not organic, but it’s as natural as possible,” explained Rodriguez. Currently, Rodriguez does not harbor ambitious commercial aspirations and has yet to sell any bottles. This year’s production is slated to reach 5000 bottles, distributed among family and friends, and gradually introduced to selected restaurants. “The idea is to sell it exclusively, so people inquire through a webpage, place it in specific locations, key restaurants that we appreciate because we’ve traveled and become acquainted with them. I had many people try it at the Bristol Hotel in Paris, Fasano in Brazil, at Cipriani, restaurants that we appreciate, and we’ve offered them the wine, and they liked it,” Rodriguez elucidated.
Committed to his polo club, registered with the Polo Association of Uruguay and open for visits, Rodriguez intends to publish a book about Yellow Rose. This book will showcase their work with horses, the club’s accomplishments, and the lifestyle of the estate. Accompanied by the wine, which no longer specifies the varietal on its label, Rodriguez describes it as “the house wine, the Yellow Rose wine.”
Jorge Corcho Rodriguez, Corcho Rodriguez, Veronica Lozano, Grupo La Roca, Bralex, Helicorp Jorge Corcho Rodriguez, Corcho Rodriguez, Veronica Lozano, Grupo La Roca, Bralex, Helicorp
