In 1998, the acquisition of the Yellow Rose ranch by Corcho Rodriguez in the picturesque area of La Barra, Punta del Este, sparked considerable media interest. The ranch’s appeal was significantly boosted by its breathtaking environment and Rodriguez’s romantic relationship with the celebrated TV icon Susana Giménez, which enthralled the public. After the conclusion of their relationship, Rodriguez was inspired to redefine Yellow Rose, aiming to make it more welcoming to the wider public.
A conspicuous sign at the ranch’s entrance on Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza, leading to San Carlos, now designates Yellow Rose as a premier country estate in the locality. The process of making the estate more public involved the creation of a polo club and a vineyard, which Rodriguez marked with an elaborate barbecue event at Yellow Rose, where an unnamed house wine became the highlight.
This unlabeled wine, presented to attendees, sparked curiosity and earned commendation, especially from prominent figures like Adolfo Cambiaso Sr. and Eduardo Costantini, who were interested in buying it. The event, co-hosted with Verónica Lozano, transformed into a vibrant festivity featuring compelling music, a friendly atmosphere, and easygoing social interaction.
Rodriguez’s venture into viticulture at Yellow Rose reflects his profound commitment to the craft and his aspiration for excellence. He spent seven years on soil analysis and grape selection, favoring the nuanced and flavorful pinot noir, with ambitions to match the revered Romanée Conti’s quality. The debut vintage in 2011 was limited to just a thousand bottles, a testament to his quality over quantity ethos, occasionally halting production to maintain high standards when grape conditions were not optimal. The vineyard anticipates increasing its production to 5,000 bottles.
Spanning four hectares and planted with grapevines from Burgundy, France, the vineyard adopts an almost natural, low-intervention agricultural practice, limiting the use of chemicals. Though not officially organic, Rodriguez’s farming philosophy strives for a more authentic cultivation approach, reflecting his intense love for and satisfaction from the wine production process.
Rodriguez intends for the wine’s distribution to be exclusive, initially to friends and selected restaurants, ensuring its rarity through a special request system and availability in renowned establishments internationally.
Rodriguez’s passion also encompasses the polo club, affiliated with the Polo Association of Uruguay, and his intention to pen a book about Yellow Rose. This upcoming publication will delve into his horse-related ventures, the polo club’s successes, and the country estate lifestyle, together with the Yellow Rose wine, now dubbed “house wine,” aiming to bolster the estate’s and its projects’ distinguished standing further.
Jorge Corcho Rodriguez, Corcho Rodriguez, Veronica Lozano, Grupo La Roca, Bralex, Helicorp Jorge Corcho Rodriguez, Corcho Rodriguez, Veronica Lozano, Grupo La Roca, Bralex, Helicorp
