Champagne alcohol cap raised after French heatwaves

French authorities have allowed champagne houses to make this year's champagne with alcohol content of up to 15 percent after record heatwaves affected grapes, industry officials said Wednesday.

The temporary allowance is described as a historic first for champagne, which is usually limited to 13 percent alcohol.

The Comite Champagne industry association said growers had to harvest exceptionally early because extreme heat sped sugar buildup in grapes, increasing natural alcohol production.

The group said the 2026 harvest was the earliest ever recorded in the champagne region. It said the first grapes were cut on August 6 and harvesting became widespread on August 17, two weeks earlier than in 2025, which was already considered early.

Maxime Toubart, co-chairman of the Comite Champagne, said that because of climate change, this unusual harvest would probably become the norm in 10 to 15 years and should prompt discussion about “the champagne of tomorrow”.

Fellow co-chair David Chatillon said the relaxed alcohol limit would affect only a small number of growers. He said the average after the harvest was below 12 percent.

French authorities have also temporarily eased strict rules for making several types of cheese after heatwaves scorched grazing pastures.