Each story is grounded in a place. My own story is rooted in Monforte d’Alba and in Murazzano in the Alta Langa, both of which are ancient Roman towns. The aim of my work is to improve the status of the land. The territory I live and work in is expressed in the wine I make. What do Monforte and Murazzano have in common? Both have a characteristic tower: the first has a bell tower, built sometime around the 12th century by the seigneurs of Monforte for both defence and as a vantage point. From on high, it dominates the Barolo vineyards. The second tower is medieval and was built around 1300. The tower is the symbol of elevation to a higher place–it represents ideals and spirituality. During the medieval period towers were essential to defence, as they allowed enemies to be seen from a distance. In tarot reading, the tower is the card that releases negative energy and leads to change and healing.