French champagne producers have been given temporary permission to increase the alcohol content of their bubbly to 15%, up from the previous 13% cap. This decision follows a summer of record heatwaves and drought in France, which resulted in grapes with unusually high sugar levels.
Industry officials stated that the extreme weather led to the earliest-ever harvest in France's Champagne region. The Comite Champagne industry association noted that a small number of wines from this harvest could have slightly exceeded the 13% regulatory limit, reaching around 13.1% or 13.2%, prompting the temporary increase to 15% for this year only.
The 2026 growing season was marked by severe spring frosts, an exceptionally early flowering period, and five heatwaves throughout the summer. The 2026 vintage is not expected to be available on shelves until 2028, as champagne requires at least 15 months of ageing.