When I finally reached Franciacorta on Sunday morning, I was disappointed to discover that I had missed the grape photo ops that I had so longed for.

But yesterday, my crew and I made our way up to the hamlet of Favento in the northwestern zone of the appellation where, at 200+ meters a.s.l., some growers have been holding out.

Feast your eyes on those Pinot Noir babes!

The appellation has been harvested for the most part. A hot July and early August prompted most to start picking on the earlier side of the norm (roughly mid-August).

But those growers who waited were rewarded this week by abundant rain on Tuesday and Wednesday.

How about that Pinot Chardonnay (as it once was called in this neck of the woods), dripping with morning rain water???!!!

And in other fruit porn news, I just had to share these fig shots, taken yesterday in the southernmost zone of the appellation in Cologne township on the south side of Monte Orfano.

Growers there began picking in early August. Wineries on the south-facing side of the mountain are always the first to harvest in Franciacorta because it’s the warmest part of the appellation.

These figs might very well have been the best I’ve ever had.

They were so tender and rich in flavor, sweet and fragrant on the palate.

I’m posting in a hurry this morning as my colleague and I head out for another day of Franciacorta tastings and winery visits… stay tuned!