Champagne producers granted exception for higher alcohol content

French authorities have issued an exceptional decree allowing Champagne wines from the 2026 harvest to exceed the standard 13% alcohol limit. This measure follows extreme summer weather conditions, including heatwaves and severe drought, which resulted in grapes with naturally high alcohol potential.

The regulation allows for wines drawn in 2027—composed of unfortified 2026 wines blended with enriched wines from previous years—to reach up to 15% alcohol after the secondary fermentation. This is a temporary derogation from the standard specifications granted by the Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité (Inao) following a request from the Comité Champagne.

The 2026 harvest was noted as the earliest ever recorded in the region, with widespread harvesting beginning on August 17, two weeks earlier than in 2025. Producers noted that such extreme weather patterns, characterized by early frosts followed by intense heat, may become the new norm due to climate change.