Podere Forte

Pasquale Forte, an entrepreneur in the automotive technology industry and founder of Eldor Corporation, established the estate in 1997. He acquired an ancient farmhouse previously known as Podere Petrucci in the Val d'Orcia region of southern Tuscany. Forte sought to reconnect with his agricultural heritage by developing a holistic system modeled after the Roman corte concept. This vision centers on a self-sufficient farm where humans, animals, and plants coexist in a balanced macrocosm. The estate remains under the private ownership and direction of the Forte family.

The property covers approximately 500 hectares, including 27 hectares of vineyards located at elevations between 400 and 550 meters. The landscape features steep slopes and a complex geological profile of schistous calcareous formations and Pliocene clays. Management follows biodynamic principles based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, and the estate is Demeter certified. A proprietary method called Sistema Forte merges these traditional practices with modern precision agriculture, utilizing drones and data sensors to track soil and vine health. Winemaking takes place in a five-level underground cellar designed for gravity-flow processing. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts in French oak vats, and the cellar includes a specialized laboratory for real-time scientific monitoring.

The flagship portfolio includes two site-specific Sangiovese wines, Petrucci Anfiteatro and Petrucci Melo, as well as Guardiavigna, which transitioned from a Bordeaux blend to a pure Cabernet Franc. Other labels include the Sangiovese-based Petruccino and Villaggio. Within the Orcia DOC, the producer has established a reputation for high-level craftsmanship and pricing comparable to elite estates in neighboring Montalcino. The estate operates as an integrated farm producing extra virgin olive oil, honey, and ancient grains. It also maintains herds of Chianina cattle and Cinta Senese pigs, which contribute to the internal production of biodynamic compost and fertilizers.