Interview: Gabriel Geller of ROYAL WINE CORP

Gabriel Geller is the Director of Public Relations and Client Services for Royal Wine Corporation. Geller joined Royal Wine Corp. after over 15 years of experience in the wine industry. He fell in love with the wonderful world of wine when he moved to Israel from Switzerland and discovered the burgeoning Israeli wine industry. Gabriel refined and educated himself and his palate traveling the globe, visiting wineries and attending professional tastings. Since 2008, Gabriel has been a wine writer and critic for a variety of media outlets as well as a consultant to wineries, hotels, importers, distributors and wine shops in Israel, France, Switzerland, Australia, America, England, Italy and Belgium. Before coming to America, Gabriel owned and managed a specialty wine shop in Jerusalem and in 2014 started the very popular "Kosher Wine: Sharing and Experiences", a Facebook group that features his advice and reviews of thousands of kosher wines which has quickly become the largest online forums focusing on the world of kosher wine.

Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of interviewing Gabriel Geller about his career and Royal Wine Corporation.

When did you first become interested in fine wine?

When I was 16 years old. I was born and grew up in Switzerland. 16 is the legal age to buy and drink wine and beer there. I was working at a local importer and distributor of fine wines during my summer vacation and winter break.

What are some of your personal qualities or talents that have enhanced your career?

I have an unusual sensory memory and almost of a photographic memory when it comes to wine. I can remember nearly all the wines I have tasted, where, when, with whom, the vintage, blend, varieties, alcohol level, oak regime, and all other such details etc. without any written notes.

Who have been some of your professional mentors or individuals that have inspired your work?

My first boss in Switzerland: Elie Gazzar. A true hardworker, self-made man who proved you can be very successful in the wine business while remaining honest and humble.

The late Daniel Rogov aka David Joroff. He was Israel's first and most famous wine critic, he is the one who actually put quality Israeli and kosher wine on the map. I have often disagreed with his opinions but he deserves the credit.

Tell us a little about your travel experiences.

I love visiting wineries in different countries. It's not just about the wine but about the land, the soil, the climate and first and foremost: the people. I find most winemakers to be among the most genuine people I know, their passion is unique. Visiting a winery near Geneva with cows around or in Hebron in Israel with so much biblical history involved. And then a Château in Bordeaux or a tiny vineyard atop a hill in California's Santa Cruz mountains. It never gets boring!

Why do you find your career so rewarding?

Wine has rewarded me in so many ways. It is through wine that I have met my wife and many of my closest friends who are all amazing with a wealth of culture, knowledge, genuineness. Wine brings people together, GREAT people!

What is one of your favorite meals and what wine would you select for it?

I am a sucker for foie gras, goose/duck liver. It is so rich and yet so refined at the same time. And there are many ways to eat or prepare it. You can pair a terrine de foie gras with a sweet wine, such as a Sauternes. Or with a tart, dry acidic wine like a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon from Australia's Hunter Valley, Israel's Golan Heights or Pessac-Léognan. Seared for a minute it pairs amazingly with an aged red Bordeaux.

Tell us a little about the restaurant or organization that you currently work with.

Royal Wine Corp. is the world's leading importer, producer and distributor of kosher wine and spirits. Royal have revolutionized the world of kosher wine from the sweet, syrupy, sacramental wines and have produced and supported the production of world-class wines that happen to be kosher all over the world over the past 40 years. Royal Wine Corp. now has a portfolio of about 65 wineries, and close to 500 labels from the world's leading wine growing regions.

For more information on Royal Wine Corporation, please visit: http://www.royalwine.com/.

Follow Royal Wine Corporation on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gabriel Geller

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