Hetebølger kan gi sterkere champagne

France is allowing champagne with up to 15% alcohol after a record-breaking heatwave, reports BBC. Producers have been granted an interim exemption from the 13% limit, but the new threshold of 15% applies only to 2026. The reason behind it is that the heat and drought caused grapes to have unusually high sugar levels, which yeast converts into alcohol.

Only a small volume is expected to exceed the 13% limit, which can happen during the fermentation process that creates bubbles. The first grapes were picked early in August. Mid-month, harvesting was accelerated – earlier than ever recorded in Champagne, says industry organization Comité Champagne. The organization calls 2026 one of the region's most unusual seasons.

Historically powerful spring frost was followed by early blooming and five heatwaves. Climate change is moving the Mediterranean climate northward. This is one year in a new cycle. It's not likely to happen every year, but it will happen again, says producer Stéphane Vignon to The Times, as quoted by BBC. Stronger champagne doesn't necessarily mean it's easier to sell.

Wine maker Jane Anson says customers are increasingly preferring lower alcohol content. "The battle between what customers want and what nature gives, is quite demanding for producers," Anson tells The Times, as quoted by BBC. The year is not expected in stores until 2028, because champagne must be aged for at least 15 months. Maxime Toubart of Comité Champagne believes such harvests could become normal in 10-15 years, he tells AFP.

Climate change makes heatwaves more frequent and intense. Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, according to climate service Copernicus.