www.economica.net/franta-sampania-produsa-din-reco

French authorities have allowed exceptional champagne production with alcohol content exceeding 13% due to the summer heatwave. This decision follows a temporary exemption granted to producers in early September, allowing wines from the 2026 harvest to exceed the usual alcohol limit. The measure aims to address the high potential alcohol levels resulting from extreme weather conditions. The Champagne Interprofessional Committee (CIVC) noted that this exemption would primarily benefit a few producers. The 2026 grape harvest was notably early, raising concerns about climate change's impact on viticulture.