The Fratin Brothers Mick and Dino Fratin followed in their father’s footsteps when they began their viticulture journey back in 1998; working the same land their father Serge set up Mt Langi Ghiran Vineyards in the decades before them. This vineyard is nestled around the Great Dividing Range in Western Victoria, 50km south east of the Grampians National Park.
The Fratin Brothers focus on tradition grape varieties including Shiraz, Chardonnay and the Italian blend Sangiovese along with the most recent plantings of the Spanish Variety Tempranillo that make up the eight-acre boutique style vineyard.
Mick Fratin talks to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
The Fratin Brothers will also take part in Grampians by the Glass at Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters this Thursday 27th June. A fabulous night of wine tasting, Victorian produce and entertainment at Federation Square.
MY CITY
Ararat – two-and-a-bit hours west of Melbourne, a well-located country town, I always say it’s two hours from everything you need – Melbourne CBD, the Coast and the river.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Being introduced to an OONI mini wood fired pizza oven and creating wood fired pizzas using our own produce. Sometimes It’s the simple things.
FAVOURITE BAR
Grainery Lane Ballarat – A seriously cool cocktail bar and distillery offering great food, located in a historic warehouse, it takes you back in time with the atmosphere.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
A Peroni Red Beer – because of the strong Italian bloodline.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Usually a lazy day on the couch. A Berocca and fish and chips usually does the trick.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Bang Bang Noosa – located on Hastings Street, perfect spot to enjoy some awesome cocktails and good food, very relaxed atmosphere.
FAVOURITE WINE
I haven’t got a stand out as there are so many, usually something we’ll pull out of the cellar with a bit of age, the 2000 Cathcart Ridge Estate Grampian Shiraz was a wine I’ll never forget, this wine was made at the start of my wine journey and introduced me to my love of Shiraz, such a rich, elegant and balanced wine.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Mt Langi Ghiran – I might be a bit biased here as I grew up in the paddocks that now grow and produce some of the best Shiraz in the country, the location and setting are worth the visit alone, not to mention the wines.
NEXT DESTINATION
Toss up out of Noosa or Hamilton Island, always look forward to some sunshine and a bit of rest and relaxation with the family.
