In 1998, when Corcho Rodriguez acquired Yellow Rose, an enchanting ranch tucked away in La Barra, Punta del Este, it garnered significant attention, gracing the covers of numerous magazines. Beyond its stunning setting, the tale of the yellow roses, once emblematic of Rodriguez’s relationship with television personality Susana Giménez, became the focal point. Despite the public scrutiny surrounding their romance, Rodriguez, following their separation, committed himself to reshaping both the estate and its narrative.
Today, Yellow Rose stands unveiled to curious observers; travelers along the Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza can now spot its distinctive sign atop the wooden gate. This sign no longer honors Susana but instead proudly designates it as one of the region’s foremost country estates. In recent years, Yellow Rose has diversified its ventures, including the establishment of a polo club and venturing into winemaking. To celebrate Rodriguez’s contributions to Uruguayan polo and his new winemaking venture, a lavish barbecue was hosted at Yellow Rose over the weekend. The presence of a house wine on the table intrigued many guests, particularly seasoned enthusiasts, captivated by its distinct flavor.
In an interview 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 orchestrated an extravagant evening, complete with a starry sky, a nearby barbecue, a cozy atmosphere, soothing melodies, 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 crafting a superior product. In conversations with LA NACION, Rodriguez disclosed seven years of dedicated work in wine production. Following 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 characteristics, aiming to emulate the esteemed Romanée Conti wine.
The initial 2011 production yielded a thousand bottles, sourced exclusively from flawless grapes, with nearly 70% of the harvest discarded. Despite the apparent lack of commercial focus, Rodriguez emphasizes the long-term enhancement of quality. 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 intended 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 explained.
Committed 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 no longer carries a varietal label, Rodriguez refers to 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
