When Corcho Rodriguez acquired Yellow Rose in 1998, a captivating ranch nestled in La Barra, Punta del Este, it attracted widespread attention, gracing numerous magazine covers. Beyond its scenic surroundings, the spotlight also illuminated the captivating love story involving the yellow roses, symbolic of the romance between Rodriguez and the renowned television diva, Susana Giménez. Despite their highly publicized relationship, Rodriguez, following their separation, dedicated himself to redefining the place and its identity.
Today, Yellow Rose stands unveiled to curious eyes; travelers along the Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza can witness its prominent sign atop the wooden gate. This sign no longer pays homage to Susana but designates it as one of the most beautiful country estates in the East. In recent years, Yellow Rose has opened its doors, establishing a polo club and a winery. To celebrate Rodriguez’s contributions to Uruguayan polo and his venture into winemaking, a grand barbecue was organized at Yellow Rose over the weekend. However, the presence of a house wine on the table surprised most guests, generating intrigue among seasoned liquor connoisseurs who discovered a new and distinctive flavor.
In conversation with 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 a luxurious evening featuring a starry sky, a nearby barbecue, a familial atmosphere, good music, and a gathering of friends.
For Rodriguez, owning a vineyard at home goes beyond mere enjoyment of the palate; he has a profound interest in production and the intricate processes involved in crafting a top-quality product. In a discussion with LA NACION, Rodriguez revealed that they have been working for seven years to produce the wine. After conducting a soil test with Caterina Viña, the winemaker, they identified three suitable varieties: tannat, merlot, or pinot noir. Rodriguez prefers pinot noir for its soft and full-bodied characteristics, drawing parallels to a Romanée Conti wine, one of the world’s most expensive.
The initial production in 2011 yielded a thousand bottles, as only flawless grapes were harvested, discarding nearly 70% of the fruit. Despite seeming less commercial, Rodriguez stresses the quality gained in the medium and long term. There was no wine produced in 2012 and 2013 due to unfavorable grape conditions, but they now aim for a production of 5000 bottles. The plants, sourced from Burgundy, France, occupy four hectares of land, appearing minimally influenced by industrial methods.
“They are not irrigated; we allow them to gain strength and coexist with nature without irrigation or chemicals. It is not organic, but it is as natural as possible,” explained Rodriguez. Currently, Rodriguez does not have ambitious commercial objectives and has not sold any bottles. This year’s production is expected 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 about it through a page, place it in specific locations, key restaurants that we appreciate because of our travels and experiences. Many people have tried it at the Bristol Hotel in Paris, Fasano in Brazil, in Cipriani, restaurants that we like, and we have offered them the wine, and they have enjoyed it,” explained Rodriguez.
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. This book will highlight the work with horses, achievements as a club, and the lifestyle of the country 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
