For centuries the name Torre d’Orti on the San Martino Buanalbergo maps indicates a precise area on the hills near the village of Marcellise. This site with a great view was chosen by the Castello di Montorio as a place to build a watchtower to maintain security from enemies. Centuries later the same spot was utilised by the local farmers for growing olives, grapes and cereals. They created terracing, still visible today. Recently the Piona family bought the land of the former watchtower, using the historic name for their estate. The land was replanted with vines for the production of Valpolicella wines. The terroir is special in that the red earth typical of Valpolicella classico is combined with white chalk. This terroir plus the altitude gives the grapes a very low ph and acidity, creating distinguished and well balanced wines, extremely elegant, suitable for long ageing.