Celebrating diversity

I suspect what all Decanter readers want is to drink better wine. That is why the letter published in your January issue, which was critical of you publishing an article on ‘Women in Champagne’ (December 2020 issue) was both disappointing and misguided. Making the wine we all drink better requires the most talented people possible to be involved in making, selling and reviewing that wine.

A wine industry which was historically dominated by men failed to draw on a pool of amazingly talented women. Thankfully, times are changing. However, the fact that so many Champagne houses now have female leadership is still newsworthy. Publishing the article was in the spirit of Decanter’s long tradition of reporting on the dynamic and ever-changing wine world and so should be welcomed and celebrated. Diversity in any industry ultimately drives up quality, but in wine may also attract a more diverse community of drinkers who care about wine, and with whom we can share the stories and joy of the drink that is our common passion.

Iain D Gilchrist, Bristol, UK

To see Jane Anson’s recent column, ‘Where are the diverse voices in Bordeaux wine?’, detailing an extensive study she has embarked upon with Florine Livat, associate professor of economics at Kedge Business School in Bordeaux, go to Decanter.com (News & Opinion/ Jane Anson).