Champagne can hit 15% alcohol in 2026 after hot, dry summer

French Champagne makers may bottle the 2026 harvest at up to 15% alcohol, up from the usual 13% limit, because heat and drought raised sugar in grapes, which yeast turns into alcohol. The allowance is for 2026 only. The Comité Champagne says few wines will top 13%, likely landing around 13.1%-13.2% after second fermentation, when bubbles form.