Champagne will become different due to heat – what was decided in France

French authorities have for the first time temporarily allowed raising the maximum alcohol content of champagne from 13% to 15% due to abnormal heat and drought in the Champagne region. Grapes have accumulated a record amount of sugar, leading to an increase in potential alcohol levels. Harvesting began in the first days of August — an absolute record. Bottles from this harvest will go on sale no earlier than 2028.

French authorities have for the first time in history officially allowed a temporary increase in the maximum alcohol content of champagne from 13% to 15%. The reason was extreme heat and severe drought that hit the Champagne region. Grapes accumulated a record amount of sugar due to the scorching sun and lack of moisture, leading to an increase in the potential alcohol level in the future drink. Harvesting began in the first days of August — an absolute record in the entire history of observations. Despite the relatively small volume of raw materials collected, experts predict exceptionally high quality of the drink. After secondary fermentation, the actual strength of most finished wines will be about 13.1–13.2%. According to strict standards, champagne requires at least 15 months of aging, so bottles from the unique harvest will go on sale no earlier than 2028.