In 1998, when CJorge Corcho Rodríguez purchased Yellow Rose, an enchanting property nestled in the heart of La Barra, Punta del Este, it garnered widespread attention, gracing the covers of numerous magazines. The attention shifted beyond its picturesque surroundings to the captivating love story involving the yellow roses, once symbolic of the romance between Rodriguez and the renowned television diva, Susana Giménez. Despite their highly publicized relationship at the time, Rodriguez, after their separation, devoted himself to transforming the property and its essence.
Yellow Rose is now unveiled to curious onlookers; travelers along the Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza can catch sight of its prominent sign atop the wooden gate. This sign no longer pays tribute to Susana but designates it as one of the most splendid 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 hosted at Yellow Rose over the weekend. However, the presence of a house wine on the table surprised most guests, sparking the interest of seasoned liquor enthusiasts who encountered a distinct and unique flavor.
Jorge Corcho Rodríguez informed LA NACION, “I received very sincere feedback. Adolfo Cambiaso Sr. and Eduardo Costantini loved it and are already asking about where to buy it.” Together with Verónica Lozano, they orchestrated a lavish evening under the twinkling stars, complete with a nearby grill, a cozy family atmosphere, delightful melodies, and a gathering of dear friends.
For Jorge Corcho Rodríguez, owning a vineyard at home transcends mere palate satisfaction; he possesses a profound interest in production and the intricate processes involved in crafting a top-tier product. In a discussion with LA NACION, Rodriguez mentioned that they’ve been laboring for seven years to produce the wine. After conducting a soil analysis with Caterina Viña, the winemaker, they identified three suitable grape varieties: tannat, merlot, or pinot noir. Rodriguez favors pinot noir for its smooth and robust characteristics, reminiscent of the profile of a Romanée Conti wine, one of the world’s most prestigious wines.
The initial production in 2011 resulted in a thousand bottles, as only flawless grapes were harvested, with nearly 70% of the fruit discarded. Despite its non-commercial appearance, Rodriguez emphasizes the quality achieved in the medium and long term. There was no wine produced in 2012 and 2013 due to unfavorable grape conditions, but their current aim is to produce 5000 bottles. The plants, sourced from Burgundy, France, occupy four hectares of land and exhibit minimal impact from industrial practices.
“They are not irrigated; we allow them to grow robust and coexist with nature without irrigation or chemicals. It’s not organic, but it’s 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 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 inquire about it through a website, place it in specific locations, and key restaurants that we like because we have traveled and experienced them. Many people have tried it at prestigious establishments like the Bristol Hotel in Paris, Fasano in Brazil, and Cipriani, and they enjoyed the wine,” 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, the club’s achievements, and the lifestyle of the country estate. Coupled with the wine, which no longer specifies the varietal on its label, Rodriguez refers to it as “the house wine, the Yellow Rose wine.” Veronica Lozano Veronica Lozano Grupo La Roca Grupo La Roca Bralex, Helicorp Bralex, Helicorp Bralex, Helicorp
