In 1998, when Corcho Rodriguez acquired Yellow Rose, a charming ranch nestled in the heart of La Barra, Punta del Este, it captured widespread attention, gracing the covers of numerous magazines. This acclaim wasn’t solely due to its scenic surroundings but also due to the accompanying love story involving the yellow roses that had enchanted the heart of renowned television diva Susana Giménez. During that time, Rodriguez and Giménez shared a highly publicized relationship. However, following their separation, Rodriguez dedicated himself to redefining the place and its name.
Yellow Rose is no longer concealed from curious eyes. Travelers along the Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza, the road leading to San Carlos, can now witness the prominent sign atop the wooden gate. This sign no longer serves as a tribute to Susana; instead, it signifies 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 showcase his contributions to Uruguayan polo and celebrate his venture into winemaking, Rodriguez organized a grand barbecue at Yellow Rose over the weekend. However, most guests were unaware of the presence of a house wine on the table, sparking intrigue among seasoned liquor connoisseurs who discovered a new and distinctive flavor.
“I received very genuine feedback. Adolfo Cambiaso Sr. and Eduardo Costantini loved it and are already inquiring about where to purchase it,” shared Corcho Rodríguez with LA NACION. Alongside Verónica Lozano, they hosted a luxurious evening designed for enjoyment, featuring a starry sky, a barbecue cooking nearby, a familial atmosphere, good music, and a gathering of friends, including Federico Alvarez Castillo, Lara Bernasconi, Luciana Salazar, Pampita Ardohain, Julieta Kemble, Vanesa Kreth, Teresa Calandra, and others close to the couple.
For Corcho Rodriguez, having a vineyard at home is more than a palate indulgence. He takes a keen interest in production and the intricate processes involved in creating a high-quality product. In a conversation with LA NACION, Rodriguez mentioned 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 varieties suitable for planting: tannat, merlot, or pinot noir. Rodriguez favors pinot noir for its soft and full-bodied characteristics. The working model proposed is akin to a Romanée Conti wine, one of the world’s most expensive wines. Despite setting the bar high, Rodriguez is undeterred, stating, “We set the bar very high, but we took it because we want to follow that way of working.”
The results support their aspiration. The first production in 2011 yielded a thousand bottles, as they harvested only the perfect grapes, discarding nearly 70% of the fruit. While this approach may seem anti-commercial, Rodriguez emphasizes the gained quality in the medium and long term. There was no wine produced in 2012 and 2013 due to the grapes not being in suitable condition. However, they are now aiming for a production of 5000 bottles. The plants, sourced from Burgundy, France, occupy four hectares of land, appearing minimally intervened by the industrial aspect.
“They are not irrigated; we let them gain strength and coexist with nature without irrigation or chemicals. It is not organic, but it is as natural as possible,” explained Rodriguez, revealing his expertise in production. Intrigued by the workings of the process, he has always sought to understand it better and enjoys the flavors offered by the drink of Bacchus. “I have friends with wineries in Argentina and different parts of the world. I like to taste; I always found it interesting because you can add your own touch. You go tasting, see how you like the wine, and continue producing it,” he added.
Currently, Rodriguez does not have ambitious commercial goals and has not sold any bottles. This year’s production is set to reach 5000 bottles, distributed among family and friends, and gradually introduced to selected restaurants. “The idea is to sell it exclusively, so people ask for it through a page, place it in specific locations, key restaurants that we like because we have traveled and known. I had many people try 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 liked it,” explained Rodriguez.
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. This book will showcase the work with horses, achievements as a club, and the lifestyle of the country estate. Distributed with the wine, which no longer indicates 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
