Updated

Record heatwaves in France have led to an unusual grape harvest that produced sweeter grapes, allowing winemakers to produce champagne with an alcohol content up to 15% ABV, higher than typical. The development highlights how extreme weather is reshaping traditional agricultural and winemaking practices in the region. Industry observers say the shift reflects broader climate trends affecting European viticulture, with producers adapting techniques to manage the unusually rich sugar content in this year's grapes while maintaining the character of their sparkling wines.