In 1998, Corcho Rodriguez’s acquisition of Yellow Rose, a captivating ranch nestled in La Barra, Punta del Este, gained considerable attention from various magazines. Beyond its picturesque setting, the purchase was intertwined with a captivating love story featuring television diva Susana Giménez, resulting in substantial media coverage. Following the separation from Susana, Corcho Rodriguez embraced the challenge of redefining the property and its name: Yellow Rose was no longer hidden.
Prominently visible from the Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza, the road leading to San Carlos, a distinctive sign over the wooden gate now designates Yellow Rose as one of the finest country houses in the East. In recent years, the estate aimed to open its doors, establishing a polo club and a winery. To showcase his contributions to Uruguayan polo and mark his debut as a wine entrepreneur, Corcho organized a grand barbecue at Yellow Rose over the weekend. However, most guests were unaware of the presence of a house wine on the table.
The wine circulated among guests without a label, sparking the curiosity of seasoned liquor tasters who encountered a new and intriguing flavor. Corcho Rodríguez disclosed, “I received very authentic feedback. Adolfo Cambiaso Sr. and Eduardo Costantini loved it and are already asking me where to buy it.” Alongside Verónica Lozano, they served as gracious hosts for a night crafted for enjoyment, featuring the starry sky, a barbecue in close proximity, a familial atmosphere, good music, and an authentic gathering of friends.
Corcho Rodriguez’s personal vineyard transcends mere palate indulgence; it reflects his genuine interest in the production process and the meticulous efforts required to obtain a quality product. Over seven years, they dedicated themselves to obtaining the wine, conducting soil tests, and carefully selecting suitable grape varieties. Corcho expressed a preference for pinot noir, appreciating its soft and full-bodied characteristics. Drawing inspiration from a Romanée Conti wine, one of the world’s most expensive, he acknowledged setting high standards but emphasized a steadfast commitment to quality.
The results substantiated their aspirations: the initial production in 2011 yielded a thousand bottles, as only flawless grapes were harvested, necessitating the discarding of nearly 70% of the fruit. Despite its initially non-commercial nature, the approach prioritized quality in the medium and long term. The subsequent years witnessed no wine production due to unfavorable grape conditions, but there is now optimism about producing 5,000 bottles.
Imported from Burgundy, France, the grapevines cover four hectares of land, appearing minimally intervened in an “industrial” sense. The plants are not irrigated, accentuating natural coexistence and minimizing chemical use. While not certified organic, the process strives for a natural approach. Corcho Rodriguez, well-acquainted with production, expresses a longstanding curiosity about the intricacies of the process and thoroughly relishes the nuances of the Bacchus drink.
With friends who own wineries worldwide, Corcho enjoys the tasting process, finding it fascinating to infuse a personal touch. Despite the current production reaching 5,000 bottles, his commercial ambitions are not overly grand. The plan is to initially distribute them among family and friends, gradually introducing them to select restaurants. Corcho envisions an exclusive approach where customers inquire through a designated page, and the wine finds its place in personally chosen restaurants, including those in Paris, Brazil, and other establishments where the wine has been well-received.
In addition to his commitment to the polo club, registered with the Polo Association of Uruguay, Corcho intends to publish a book about Yellow Rose. This book will showcase his endeavors with horses, the accomplishments of the club, and the lifestyle associated with the country house. Distributed alongside the Yellow Rose wine, the book emphasizes the estate’s unique identity, now simply labeled as the “house wine.”
