Drinking 2026 Champagne might give you a heftier headache as France's record heatwaves are forcing some producers to up the alcohol levels, industry officials said on Wednesday.
French authorities have allowed Champagne houses to make their bubbly with alcohol content of up to 15 percent, a historic first for a wine usually limited to 13 percent.
Growers had to harvest exceptionally early this year as extreme heat sped sugar buildup - and hence natural alcohol production - in the grapes, according to the Comité Champagne industry association.
Nonetheless, "the crop already has all the hallmarks of producing great, perhaps even exceptional, wines", the group said in a statement.
Authorities have also allowed a temporary easing of strict rules for making several types of cheese after heatwaves scorched grazing pastures.
