French champagne producers have been allowed to temporarily raise the permitted alcohol content of their wines to 15 percent for the first time after record heat and drought this summer. Previously, the norm had limited the alcohol content of champagne to 13 percent, BBC News reported.
The reason for the decision was the unusually high level of sugar in grapes harvested in Champagne. During fermentation, yeast converts sugar into alcohol, so due to weather conditions, a small number of wines from this harvest may have a higher natural alcohol content.
A representative of the Comité Champagne industry association told the BBC that only a small number of wines were affected. According to him, during the second fermentation, which gives champagne its effervescence, some wines can slightly exceed the established limit, reaching about 13.1-13.2 percent. That is why this year the maximum limit has been exceptionally increased to 15 percent.
The extremely hot weather has also led to the earliest start of the grape harvest in the region’s history. The first bunches were picked in early August, and by mid-month the harvest was already in full swing.
The Comité Champagne has called the 2026 season one of the most unusual in the region’s history. In the spring, Champagne experienced its worst frosts, followed by an exceptionally early flowering period, and in the summer the region suffered five heat waves.
Stéphane Vignon, a winemaker from Verzenay, told The Times that the Mediterranean climate is gradually shifting northward. According to him, this year could be the beginning of a new climate cycle, and such conditions will be repeated.
Maxime Toubar, co-chairman of the Comité Champagne, also told AFP that such unusual harvests are likely to become the norm in 10-15 years due to further temperature increases.
At the same time, stronger Champagne is unlikely to be an advantage for producers; wine expert and commentator Jane Anson noted that consumers are increasingly opting for lower-alcohol beverages.
The 2026 harvest will not be available for sale until 2028, as Champagne must be aged for at least 15 months.
