Gael Dantec: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times asks wine merchant and founder of Citreola Cellars Gael Dantec: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?

Wine and women.

“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

“Do it by yourself and don’t wait for someone to do it for you”.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2015?

François Hollande: He is totally ******* unacceptable.

Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

My grandfather.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

A parcel of the domaine Romanée-Conti and happiness forever.

Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?

Most bankers are utterly useless. I would substitute the letter “w” for the “b” in most cases.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

“Here’s the bill”.

In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

Charity is great if the money goes where it is meant to.

The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?

I love and hate mobile phones equally.

If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

Matthew Steeples, my first wife and Beyoncé.

If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

A raclette of fondue with my closest friends. I would drink a vertical of Romanée-Conti and I’d be at my lovely friend Cedric’s house in the Swiss Alps.

What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

Whenever you feel ready.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A martini. I have no idea what a Negroni is and I don’t bother with tea.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

I loved a party given by Matthew Steeples in Knightsbridge in 2009. It was wild and it went on all night. Utterly bonkers.

Who is the most positive person you know?

My mother. I don’t know anyone more positive and honest.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Being naughty… I’m not going to tell you how.

If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

I would never get a tattoo. I don’t see the point. They’re not for me.

If you were a car, what marque would you be?

An Aston Martin DB5 convertible. It was the first vintage car I got to drive.

Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

I love Britain and I love Little Britain as well.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

Picture of my daughters, Louisa and Fauve.

Gael Dantec was born in Brittany, France and learnt about wines through having worked on vineyards since the age of 16. He was the manager of Nicolas in South Kensington, London for five years and has most recently managed the portfolios of a number of fine wine connosieurs. He established Citreola Cellars to showcase wines made by the best producers and shares his passion and expertise with a sophisticated client base. Aside from wines, Gael enjoys fine dining, cooking and driving classic cars.

Follow Citreola Cellars on Twitter at @citreolacellars.

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