Record heatwaves in France set to make champagne stronger
French winemakers have been granted temporary permission to increase the alcohol content of champagne to 15% due to record-breaking heatwaves. The extreme weather caused grapes to develop higher sugar levels, leading to an unusually early harvest.
Why it matters
This highlights the tangible impact of climate change on traditional agricultural industries and regulatory standards for global luxury goods.
Image source, Getty Images By Dearbail Jordan Reporter Published 12 September 2026, 13:50 BST Updated 1 hour ago Champagne lovers may find themselves getting tipsy more quickly after French producers have been given the go-ahead to raise the alcohol content in a bottle of bubbly for the first time following this summer's record heatwave.
Winemakers can temporarily produce champagne with an alcohol content of up to 15% - above the 13% cap, industry officials have said.
The extreme heat and drought produced grapes with exceptionally higher sugar levels. Yeast converts sugar into alcohol during fermentation.
France's Champagne region also saw its earliest-ever harvest due to the weather, something that could become the norm "in 10 to 15 years" because of climate change, according to the Comite Champagne industry association.
How will extreme weather affect our food?
Published 24 August France links sharp rise in drownings to heatwaves
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