[quantim]

what is a replacement for Champagne that isn't made in France?

There isn't any.  This goes true for the hundreds of other wines from the great Zind Humbrecht wines from Alsace in the north to the fantastic red and white Rhone blends in the south, the list is endless.  It pains me to say that France produces many of the best wines in the world in particular styles, and that is not not likely to change in our lifetimes.  The soils, climate, and terroir are unique in the world and can't be replicated.  That is the bad news.

I share your sentiments on buying French wine - I don't either.  I only recommend when asked specifically.  The good news is there are tens of thousands of alternatives.

In a effort to answer your question about Champagne (or any other French wine) is to migrate to a different style.  There are some respectable American sparkling wines produced by Jordan, Iron Horse, and others.  Some even fancy those from NY!  However, one must not try to compare these bubblies to the wines of Champagne - the proverbial apples vs. oranges.  In addition to domestic sparkling wines there are some really fantastically produced wines from Germany, Spain, and Italy.  I have just done a wine list for a new 3 1/2 star restaurant  and had an opportunity to try many northern Italian sparkling wines and have taken a particular fancy to Rotari, Blanc de Noir.  Ridiculously inexpensive.  As Italy has supported us in the war effort I've really been pushing them lately.  The old world producers tend to do better than the new world when it comes to sparkling wine especially when you factor in cost.  There are a lot more politics in selling wine these days than 25 years ago.  Since Spain's takeover by socialists I've really slowed down on moving those products too, but there are some real bargains there.

The problem with trying to recommend a specific bottle is that every state has different distributors, with different territories that represent different labels and I've got no idea what may be available to you.  Don't be afraid to experiment - try a red blend from Chile, or a Malbec from Argentina, or a Pinotage from South Africa.  I've also tried some incredible wines from Greece, and yes both Israel and Lebanon.  Australia is smoking just about everybody in the quality/price ratio except in the sparkling wine category.  New Zealand is the place for Sauvignon Blanc for the buck these days.

Price is not necessarily a reflection of value.  The Wine Spectator's current top 100 features some great buys.  No. 11 is Seghesio's Zinfandel (CA, 92 points) is a show stopper.  Or Waterbrook 'Melange' a nifty, gutsy, unconventional blend (WA, 90 points) both about $20 retail or $30-35 restaurant, buy them if you can find them!

May the market decide and let it continue to punish the French, they're taking quite a beating.

[Bob J]

I use them but find WS's ratings sometimes influenced by ad sales...I've been burned more than once.

I find "The Connoissuers Guide" (no advertising) to be pretty accurate, particularly to my tastes.

[Dick Vomer]

What do you recommend as far as a dry sparkling champagne substitute... like Dom by any other name... thanks for your help in this matter. I really love Dom Perignon on special occasions and have been pretty adamant about not buying French over the last several years. I know my one little bottle won't make the French change but it beats yelling at the TV or flaming Francophiles on the Internet.

I personally like the Spanish wines from the Rioja region. The white wine quenches my thirst like a fresh glass of water. It was amazing.

[tortoise]

I have just done a wine list for a new 3 1/2 star restaurant and had an opportunity to try many northern Italian sparkling wines and have taken a particular fancy to Rotari, Blanc de Noir. Ridiculously inexpensive.

Let me second that. Italian bubbly is ridiculously good for the price. It is quite different from French Champagne, and I find that I often prefer Italian to French anyway. And the price of a quality Italian bottle is almost an order of magnitude off quality French Champagne prices.

This is one of those things few people know about, but everyone should know.