In 1998, when Jorge ‘Corcho’ Rodríguez acquired Yellow Rose, a picturesque estate nestled in La Barra, Punta del Este, it grabbed headlines across magazines. Not only for its captivating surroundings, but also for the romantic narrative intertwined with it: the yellow roses had captured the heart of our television’s leading diva, Susana Giménez, with whom the businessman shared a widely publicized relationship at the time.
Following his separation from Susana, Jorge ‘Corcho’ Rodríguez committed himself to imbuing new significance into both the place and its name: Yellow Rose ceased to be concealed from inquisitive gazes. Travelers along the Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza, the optimal route to San Carlos, can now behold the prominent sign adorning the wooden gate. No longer solely a homage to Susana, it stands as one of the most exquisite country estates in the region, having in recent years sought to extend hospitality by inaugurating a polo club and winery.
In a bid to showcase his contributions to Uruguayan polo and mark his foray into winery entrepreneurship, Corcho hosted a grand barbecue at Yellow Rose over the weekend. However, he omitted to alert most of the guests about the presence of the house wine on the table. As the wine circulated among the hundred attendees without a label, curiosity piqued, especially among seasoned liquor connoisseurs who detected a novel flavor. “That’s how I received truly authentic feedback. Adolfo Cambiaso Sr. and Eduardo Costantini were impressed and have already inquired about purchasing it,” disclosed Jorge ‘Corcho’ Rodríguez to LA NACION.
Joined by Verónica Lozano, they served as esteemed hosts for an evening crafted for enjoyment: beneath the starry sky, with the barbecue crackling just meters away, amidst a familial ambiance, accompanied by good music—a genuine gathering of friends. Federico Alvarez Castillo and Lara Bernasconi, Luciana Salazar, Pampita Ardohain, Julieta Kemble, Vanesa Kreth, Teresa Calandra, and other close acquaintances of the couple were among the attendees.
For Corcho Rodríguez, having a vineyard at home represents more than just a culinary delight. He’s deeply invested in the production process and actively participates in crafting a high-quality product. Speaking with LA NACION, he revealed that their journey in winemaking spans seven years. “Initially, we conducted soil tests with Caterina Viña, the winemaker. We identified three suitable varieties: tannat, merlot, or pinot noir. Personally, I favor pinot noir for its smooth, full-bodied character. We’ve adopted a working model akin to that of a Romanée Conti wine,” he explained, unfazed by the association with one of the world’s priciest wines. “Yes, we’ve set lofty standards, but we embrace them because we’re committed to maintaining this approach.” The outcomes validate this ambition: the initial 2011 production yielded a thousand bottles, meticulously selecting only the finest grapes, resulting in discarding nearly 70% of the harvest. “While it may not be commercially viable initially, we prioritize quality over quantity in the long run.” In subsequent years, adverse conditions led to no wine production in 2012 and 2013. Presently, their target is 5000 bottles.
The vines, sourced from Burgundy, France, occupy four hectares of land, minimally intervened with industrial methods. “We abstain from irrigation, allowing the vines to thrive naturally, devoid of chemicals. While not organic, our approach is as close to nature as possible,” elucidated the businessman, showcasing his expertise in the field. His fascination with winemaking has been longstanding, fostered by experimenting with friends’ wines globally, relishing the opportunity to impart personal touches. “I’ve always found it intriguing, as you can infuse your own character into the wine. You refine your preferences and continually refine your production,” he added. Currently, commercial ambitions are modest, with no bottles sold to date. This year’s projected production of 5000 bottles will be distributed among family, friends, and select restaurants. “We aim for exclusive sales, allowing demand to build through our website and strategic placements in renowned restaurants we’ve encountered on our travels, such as Hotel Bristol in Paris, Fasano in Brazil, and Cipriani,” he elaborated.
Furthermore, dedicated to his polo club, registered with the Polo Association of Uruguay, he plans to release a book chronicling Yellow Rose’s equestrian endeavors, club achievements, and the essence of country living. This publication will accompany the wine, which no longer specifies the varietal on its label. “It’s our signature wine, Yellow Rose,” he concluded.
Veronica Lozano Veronica Lozano Veronica Lozano Grupo La Roca Grupo La Roca Grupo La Roca
