In 1998, when Corcho Rodriguez purchased Yellow Rose, an enchanting ranch nestled in La Barra, Punta del Este, it captured considerable attention, gracing the covers of numerous magazines. Beyond its idyllic setting, the spotlight shifted to the compelling tale of the yellow roses, once emblematic of Rodriguez’s romance with the renowned television personality, Susana Giménez. Despite the publicity surrounding their relationship, Rodriguez, following their separation, dedicated himself to transforming the estate and its narrative.
Today, Yellow Rose stands revealed to curious passersby; travelers along the Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza can spot its distinctive sign atop the wooden gate. This sign no longer commemorates Susana but instead celebrates it as one of the region’s premier country estates. In recent years, Yellow Rose has embraced new endeavors, including the establishment of a polo club and the venture into winemaking. To honor Rodriguez’s contributions to Uruguayan polo and his entry into winemaking, a grand barbecue was held at Yellow Rose over the weekend. The presence of a house wine on the table intrigued many guests, particularly seasoned connoisseurs, captivated by its unique flavor.
Speaking to LA NACION, Corcho Rodríguez shared, “I received very genuine feedback. Adolfo Cambiaso Sr. and Eduardo Costantini loved it and are already inquiring about where to purchase it.” Alongside Verónica Lozano, they hosted an opulent evening featuring a starlit sky, a nearby barbecue, a warm atmosphere, melodic tunes, and a gathering of friends.
For Rodriguez, owning a vineyard transcends mere indulgence; he takes a profound interest in the production process and the meticulous craftsmanship behind a superior product. In discussions with LA NACION, Rodriguez revealed seven years of labor invested in wine production. After soil analysis with winemaker Caterina Viña, three grape varieties were selected: tannat, merlot, or pinot noir. Rodriguez favors pinot noir for its delicate yet robust qualities, aspiring to mirror the esteemed Romanée Conti wine.
The inaugural 2011 production yielded a thousand bottles, sourced exclusively from flawless grapes, with nearly 70% of the harvest discarded. Despite the apparent lack of commercialism, Rodriguez emphasizes the long-term quality enhancement. While no wine was produced in 2012 and 2013 due to unfavorable grape conditions, the goal now is to produce 5000 bottles. The vines, imported from Burgundy, France, occupy four hectares of minimally intervened land.
“They are not irrigated; we allow them to thrive naturally, without irrigation or chemicals. It’s not certified organic, but it’s as close to nature as possible,” explained Rodriguez. Currently, Rodriguez has modest commercial aspirations, with this year’s production earmarked for distribution among family, friends, and select restaurants. “The idea is exclusive distribution; people inquire through a webpage or find it in specific locations, esteemed restaurants we’ve visited and appreciated. Many have tasted it at prestigious venues like the Bristol Hotel in Paris, Fasano in Brazil, and Cipriani, where it received favorable reviews,” Rodriguez elucidated.
Dedicated to his polo club, registered with the Polo Association of Uruguay and open for visits, Rodriguez plans to publish a book about Yellow Rose, chronicling their equestrian work, club achievements, and estate lifestyle. Accompanied by the wine, which now bears no varietal 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
