Global warming changes champagne, France temporarily allows alcohol levels of up to 15%

French champagne producers have, for the first time, been granted permission to temporarily increase the alcohol content of the sparkling drink, which could cause consumers to become intoxicated more quickly.

Because of unusual weather conditions, producers in the Champagne region will be allowed to make champagne with up to 15% alcohol this year, compared with the previous limit of 13%.

The decision was made after a summer of record temperatures and drought, factors that led to an unusually high sugar content in the grapes. During fermentation, yeast converts this sugar into alcohol.

This season was also marked by the earliest harvest ever recorded in the region. Maxime Toubart, co-president of Comité Champagne, said that higher temperatures could turn this situation into a common occurrence within 10 to 15 years.

According to industry association Comité Champagne, climate change could mean that such a season is considered normal within 10 to 15 years.

However, the new measure is expected to affect only a limited number of wines. After the second fermentation, the process that gives champagne its bubbles, some products may have slightly exceeded the 13% threshold, reaching around 13.1% or 13.2% alcohol.

For this reason, the limit has been exceptionally raised to 15%, and only for 2026.

The season has been described as one of the most unusual in the history of Champagne, as it included severe spring frosts, early flowering and five heatwaves during the summer.

Experts estimate that a higher alcohol level may not necessarily be an advantage in the market, as consumers are increasingly seeking drinks with lower alcohol content.

Champagne made from grapes harvested in 2026 is not expected to be sold before 2028, as it requires at least 15 months of aging.

Climate change is driving up average temperatures worldwide and making heatwaves more frequent and intense. Europe is among the regions warming the fastest, at around twice the global average rate.