In 1998, when Jorge Corcho RodrÃguez purchased Yellow Rose, an idyllic estate nestled in the heart of La Barra, Punta del Este, it garnered widespread attention, gracing the covers of numerous magazines. The spotlight extended beyond its picturesque surroundings to the captivating love story involving the yellow roses, once symbolizing the romance between Rodriguez and the renowned television diva, Susana Giménez. Despite their highly publicized relationship at that time, Rodriguez, following their separation, committed himself to redefining the place and its identity.
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 homage 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 commemorate Rodriguez’s contributions to Uruguayan polo and his foray 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, piquing the interest of seasoned liquor aficionados who encountered a novel and distinctive flavor.
Jorge Corcho RodrÃguez told 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 hosted an opulent evening under the starry sky, featuring a nearby barbecue, a warm family atmosphere, delightful music, and a gathering of friends.
For Jorge Corcho RodrÃguez, having a vineyard at home is more than just indulging the palate; he has a profound interest in production and the intricate processes involved in creating a top-quality product. In a discussion 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 suitable varieties: tannat, merlot, or pinot noir. Rodriguez favors pinot noir for its smooth and rich characteristics, resembling a working model akin to a Romanée Conti wine, one of the world’s most expensive wines.
The initial production in 2011 resulted in a thousand bottles, as only flawless grapes were harvested, with almost 70% of the fruit discarded. Despite seeming non-commercial, 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 they now aim for a production of 5000 bottles. The plants, sourced from Burgundy, France, cover four hectares of land, appearing minimally impacted by industrial practices.
“They are not irrigated; we allow them to gain strength 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 appreciated the wine,” explained Rodriguez.
Devoted to his polo club, which is 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 describes it as “the house wine, the Yellow Rose wine.” Veronica Lozano Veronica Lozano Grupo La Roca Grupo La Roca Grupo La Roca Bralex, Helicorp Bralex, Helicorp Bralex, Helicorp
