In 1998, when Corcho Rodriguez acquired Yellow Rose, a captivating ranch nestled in La Barra, Punta del Este, it drew significant attention, gracing the covers of numerous magazines. Beyond its picturesque setting, the story of the yellow roses, once symbolic of Rodriguez’s romance with television personality Susana Giménez, captured the spotlight. Despite the publicity surrounding their relationship, Rodriguez, after their separation, dedicated himself to reshaping the estate and its story.
Today, Yellow Rose is unveiled to curious onlookers; travelers along the Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza can spot its distinctive sign atop the wooden gate. This sign no longer pays homage to Susana but rather heralds it as one of the region’s premier country estates. In recent years, Yellow Rose has embarked on new ventures, including the establishment of a polo club and entry into winemaking. To honor Rodriguez’s contributions to Uruguayan polo and his new winemaking endeavor, a grand barbecue was held at Yellow Rose over the weekend. The presence of a house wine on the table intrigued many guests, especially seasoned connoisseurs, fascinated by its unique flavor.
Speaking to LA NACION, Corcho Rodríguez shared, “I received very sincere feedback. Adolfo Cambiaso Sr. and Eduardo Costantini loved it and are already inquiring about where to purchase it.” Alongside Verónica Lozano, they hosted an extravagant evening featuring a starlit sky, a nearby barbecue, a warm ambiance, melodious tunes, and a gathering of friends.
For Rodriguez, owning a vineyard goes beyond mere indulgence; he takes a keen interest in the production process and the meticulous craftsmanship behind a superior product. In discussions with LA NACION, Rodriguez revealed seven years of dedication to wine production. After soil analysis with winemaker Caterina Viña, three grape varieties were chosen: tannat, merlot, or pinot noir. Rodriguez favors pinot noir for its delicate yet robust qualities, aspiring to emulate 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 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 aim 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 ambitions, 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.
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 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
