Record heatwaves in France set to make champagne stronger
Winemakers can produce bubbly up to 15% ABV following an unusual harvest that produced sweeter grapes.
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.
"The 2026 growing season will be remembered as one of the most unusual in Champagne's history, marked by severe spring frosts of historic intensity, an exceptionally early flowering period and five heatwaves throughout the summer." it added.