Record heatwave set to turn champagne more alcoholic

Europe Climate Sun, 13 Sep 2026 07:45:05 GMT Moderate confidence — 73/100

Champagne from this summer may leave you with a worse hangover and a lingering headache - as record heatwaves have forced some producers to increase their alcohol content.
The scorching summer in France may now result in the strongest champagne in the region’s history, with the level increased to 15 per cent.
Champagne houses are usually under strict guidance to limit the bubbly drink to 13 per cent, but the country’s National Origin and Quality Institute has authorised the one-off exemption.

Champagne from this summer may leave you with a worse hangover and a lingering headache - as record heatwaves have forced some producers to increase their alcohol content.
The scorching summer in France may now result in the strongest champagne in the region’s history, with the level increased to 15 per cent.
Champagne houses are usually under strict guidance to limit the bubbly drink to 13 per cent, but the country’s National Origin and Quality Institute has authorised the one-off exemption.

Sources: The Independent