OGVACLVDDVDY ZSSH ECNXGVZVDY….. (Please refer to your newspaper for complete puzzle.)
TODAY’S CLUE: Y = G
ANSWER: PRIZEWINNING BOOK DESCRIBING HOW A CERTAIN WINE VARIETY MAKES YOU FEEL VERY CALM AND PEACEFUL: “THE ZEN OF ZIN.”
Zinfandel
Red Wine Grape • Closely Associated with California
Overview
Zinfandel is a dark-skinned grape variety used to make several styles of wine. It has a particularly strong association with California, where it has been cultivated since the 19th century and became an important part of the state’s winemaking history.
European Roots
Although strongly identified with California, Zinfandel has European origins. DNA research established that it is genetically equivalent to Italy’s Primitivo and to an old Croatian grape variety, revealing a connection across several winemaking regions.
Coming to America
The grape appeared in the United States during the 19th century and eventually made its way to California. It flourished in the state’s climate and became widely planted, particularly during the growth of California’s wine industry.
Red Zinfandel
Red wines made from Zinfandel can be rich and full flavored, with characteristics that vary according to climate, ripeness, and winemaking techniques. Commonly associated flavors include blackberry, raspberry, plum, spice, and pepper.
White Zinfandel
Zinfandel grapes are also used to produce White Zinfandel, a pink wine made by limiting the amount of time the grape juice remains in contact with the dark skins. The style became enormously popular in the United States during the late 20th century.
A California Classic
Old Zinfandel vineyards remain an important part of California’s wine heritage, with some surviving vines dating back many decades. From robust red wines to the familiar pink White Zinfandel, the grape has played a distinctive role in American winemaking.
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