Champagne alcohol limit lifted to 15% for 2026 after heatwave

French champagne producers have been authorized to make 2026-harvest champagne at up to 15% alcohol, up from the 13% cap, after heat and drought raised grape sugars that yeast converts to alcohol. The exception applies for 2026 only. Comité Champagne says few wines will exceed 13%, reaching about 13.1%-13.2% in second fermentation.