French Wines with Protected Status May Soon Allow Up to 9 Grams of Added Sugar per Liter

France is preparing to allow the sweetening of still wines with protected designation of origin, a move that marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to winemaking. The decision, which is pending final approval by the Comité National des Appellations d’Origine relatives aux Vins (Cnaov) on February 12, 2026, comes as the French wine sector faces declining consumption, low supermarket prices, and increasing demands for financial support from producers.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting in late November 2025 focused on modernizing wine regulations, technical adjustments, and innovation. According to the Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (Inao), which oversees the Cnaov, the new rules are designed to adapt wine specifications to current economic, climatic, and technical realities while maintaining quality standards and the connection to terroir.

Unlike chaptalization—the traditional practice of adding sugar during fermentation to boost alcohol content—this new measure would allow sweetening after fermentation. The goal is to modify the taste profile of wines, making them softer and more approachable for consumers. Inao clarified that only products derived from grape musts suitable for the specific appellation will be permitted for sweetening. This requirement aims to preserve the strong link between the wine and its place of origin, a core element of French wine identity.

Strict traceability will be required for any producer choosing to adopt this practice. This includes potential changes to control plans within each appellation’s regulations. Inao specified that the maximum level of fermentable sugars (glucose plus fructose) allowed in sweetened wines will not exceed 9 grams per liter. If an appellation sets its sugar limit between 4 and 9 grams per liter, total acidity must remain at least 2 grams per liter higher than the sugar content.

The option to sweeten wines will be available only to those producer organizations—known in France as Organismes de Défense et de Gestion—that formally request it. Inao describes this change as part of a broader effort to support sustainability among winegrowers during a challenging period for the industry. The organization says it is responding to both climate challenges and evolving market demands while seeking to preserve the unique character of French wines.

The move has sparked debate within France’s wine community. Some see it as a pragmatic response to shifting consumer preferences and difficult market conditions. Others worry it could dilute the reputation of French appellation wines, which have long been associated with strict production rules and traditional methods.

If approved in February, this change would represent one of the most significant regulatory updates for French wine in recent years. It reflects ongoing efforts by authorities and producers to balance tradition with innovation as they navigate a rapidly changing global wine market.