March Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on February 26, 2024 by mcginnessalex

JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset
No. 69 Rosé
Burgundy, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Jean-Charles was born in 1969, the year that mankind went to the moon. As such, 69 represents unlimited expression, freedom, creativity, intellectual revolution, artistry, and refinement. Of course, 69 is also a Rosé Brut based exclusively on Pinot Noir; a Rosé that entwines masculinity and femininity.

For Jean-Charles Boisset, No 69 Sparkling Rosé is not a dainty pink drink. It’s a flamboyant, profound mouthful of serious bubbles. The vibrant crispness of No 69 is thirst quenching, yet the flavors are evocative of Pinot Noir and are beautifully sensual.

About the Winery:
Jean-Charles Boisset was born into the world of wine in the village of Vougeot, Burgundy, France. His lifelong passion for wine began as a child, as he grew up above the cellars and within view of the centuries-old vineyards of Château du Clos de Vougeot, the epicenter and birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

His parents, Jean-Claude and Claudine, founded the family winery in 1961 with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit in one of the most traditional winegrowing regions in the world. Today, the family collection includes wineries that share more than 20 centuries of combined winemaking heritage and tradition in some of the world’s most prestigious terroirs, from Burgundy to the South of France, to California’s Napa Valley and Russian River Valley. Learn more here.

Summer Water
Bubbly Rosé
France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Summer Water’s most highly-requested product! Ideal for drinking year-round, because once you realize you don’t need a reason to drink bubbly, the second part of your life begins! Summer Water Bubbly is just as crisp and delicious as the original, but with a celebratory twist. This French blend is refreshing and light with just a hint of sweetness. It showcases notes of candied strawberry, melon and fragrant white flowers. Bubbly and fun, this bottle promises to enhance all your sunny (or rainy) day activities.

This French Sparkling Rosé is made in the Charmat method, aged in stainless steel for 6 months. Pair with BBQ, burgers, fries, salads and chocolate cake – YUM!

Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
TA: 6.8 g/L
RS: 9.6 g/L
pH: 3.13

About Sumer Water:
Don’t let the name fool you, this team is more than just the rosé of the season. Rated in the top 5% of wines in the world by Vivino and #1 best-selling premium domestic rosé, their award-winning blend of grapes are picked early in the harvest season for a natural acidity and year-round drinkability – do you can drink fro the weather you want, not the weather you have. Learn more here.

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February Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on January 31, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Bodkin Wines
Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc
Lake County, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

With overtones of pineapple, guava and lemon-lime, this wine is a bright, fruit forward and as “Sauvignon Blanc-y” as ever. The palate matches the nose and the 2 g/L dosage (0.2%) is just enough flair to make this wine down right quaffable. This Cuvée is a blend of two Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in Kelseyville and 22% from Sandy Bend vineyard in Upper Lake. Both vineyards are farmed to California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance standards and family owned and operated. Diligent stewards of the earth and salt of the earth people, the Springer and Schlies families are not just growers but true friends of Bodkin Wines.

About the Winery:
Founded in 2011 by journeyman cellar hand and self-taught Winemaker Chris Christensen, Bodkin Wines disrupted the sparkling wine scene with America’s first sparkling Sauvignon Blanc in 2012. With one foot rooted in wine science and the other in craftsmanship, Christensen’s minimalist philosophy guides his signature style of high acid, low alcohol wines. These wines have garnered over two dozen 90+ point scores in critical reviews over the past 8 years alone. Learn more here.

Stella Rosa
Gold V.S. Prosecco DOC
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Gold V.S. Prosecco DOC starts with specially selected grapes grown in the beautiful vineyards of the Veneto region in Italy. This area has a very special microclimate characterized by high temperature variations between day and night during the summer. This environment is crucial to achieve perfect ripening of the grapes and give the wine a breathtaking structure and harmony, in which acidy and minerality are perfectly balanced.

The secret to this delicious wine is the specially selected blend of Glera and Chardonnay grapes aged in oak for three months. The blend undergoes a very long fermentation to yield a richer, more elegant Prosecco with more pronounced character.

AWARDS:
92 points – Gold Medal, Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

ABOUT STELLA ROSA:
It all started in 1917, when the Riboli family founded Los Angeles’ historic San Antonio Winery. Back then, Los Angeles was the prime location for wine growing in all of California. For some time, the wine industry reigned as one of Southern California’s most economically significant and popular industries of that time. After surviving Prohibition and about a century later, the Riboli family has continued its artisan winemaking tradition through four generations. Within the tasting rooms of San Antonio Winery, customers repeatedly requested a sweeter, light, refreshing wine. The Riboli family took this unique opportunity to create a new semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wine style, which today, they are the leader. And so, Stella Rosa was born. Learn more here.

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January Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on December 22, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Devaux
Grande Réserve Brut
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Gold yellow in color with floral perfumes and hints of stone fruits such as peach and apricot on the nose. It’s smooth, mellow and luscious with a fine and intense palate on the finish. This wine pairs well with sweetbreads or Fricassée de cèpes.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 70% Pinot Noir (Côte des Bar), 30% Chardonnay (Montgueux, Côte des Blancs, Vitry)
Appellation: Champagne, France
Reserve Wines: 20% to 25%
Alcoholic Fermentation: Stainless steel tank
Malolactic Fermentation: 100%
Aging: 3 years minimum
Disgorgement: Extra aging of 3 months minimum
Awards:

Gold – Mundus Vini 2021
94 pts. – Decanter 2020
91 pts. – James Suckling 2021
International Wine Challenge 2020 – Michel Parisot elected Sparkling Winemaker of the Year

Winery Commitments:

Sustainable vine-growing in Champagne
Vines: 15 years old minimum
First-press juice only
Limited Sulfite use (jetting)
Quality certifications

About the Winery:
Devaux Winery, with a rich history dating back to 1846, is a distinguished Champagne house located in the Côte des Bar region of Champagne, France. Known for its commitment to quality and tradition, Devaux produces exceptional sparkling wines. The winery seamlessly blends heritage with modern techniques, crafting unique and refined Champagne expressions that reflect the essence of its vineyards and expertise. Learn more here.

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December Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on November 29, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Gustave Lorentz
Crémant d’Alsace
Brut
AOC Alsace, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The balance and freshness of Crémant d’Alsace comes from the subtle match of four grape varieties: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 60% Pinot Blanc, 18% Pinot Gris, 12% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay
Total Acidity: 5.05 g/L
Residual Sugar: 10 g/L
Region: AOC Alsace, France
Producer: Gustave Lorentz

VINIFICATION:
The grapes are carefully selected and vinified according to the “Methode Champenoise”. After traditional fermentation “vin de base” in tanks, a second fermentation “prise de mousse” takes place in the cool cellars. It does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Aging is done “sur lie” over 14 to 18 months with daily bottle rotation, going from a horizontal to vertical position, in order for the yeast deposit to accumulate in the neck of the bottle. At the time of disgorgement, the neck is frozen and enclosed in ice, the sediment is ejected by natural pressure, after which the bottle is corked and wired.

Gustave Lorentz
Crémant d’Alsace
Brut Rosé
AOC Alsace, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Crément d’Alsace Rosé is made from Pinot Noir, which is full of charm and elegance. It makes a refined aperitif and an ideal cocktail or reception drink. Fresh and discreetly fruity, it inspires a host of gastronomic matches.

One of the outstanding wines is the Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé, made of 100% Pinot Noir. Having been aged for nearly four years and made in the traditional method, its pleasing aroma and lively acidity demonstrate all that is great about Gustave Lorentz.

Analysis: 12.3% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Total Acidity: 5.6 g/L
Residual Sugar: 7.8 g/L
Region: AOC Alsace, France
Producer: Gustave Lorentz

VINIFICATION:
The grapes are carefully selected and vinified according to “Methode Champenoise”. After traditional fermentation “vin de base” in tanks, a second fermentation, (“prise de mousse”) takes place in the cool cellars. It does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Aging is done “sur lie” between 14 and 18 months, with daily bottle rotation, going from a horizontal to vertical position, in order for the yeast deposit to accumulate in the neck of the bottle. At the time of disgorgement, the neck is frozen and enclosed in ice, the sediment is ejected by natural pressure, after which the bottle is corked and wired.

ABOUT THE WINERY:

“The essence of our wines stems from the close relationship between grape variety, terroir and climate.” – Gustave Lorentz

Since its founding in 1836, there have been seven generations of family tradition, currently helmed by sixth generation Georges Lorentz; with that kind of legacy comes innovation. Gustave Lorentz was among the first producers in Alsace to use stelvin closures and was certified organic by Ecocert in 2012. Gustave Lorentz vineyards are nestled in the hills of Altenberg de Bergheim in the Vosges Mountains on 85 acres, with four acres on the hills of Grand Cru Kanzlerberg and 30 in the Altenberg de Bergheim. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc varieties, all vinified separately, make up the majority of plantings of these exceptional vineyards, along with smatterings of other varieties. The wines have been described as “gastronomic”, being a perfect partner to any type of cuisine. To learn more about Gustave Lorentz Winery and family, click here.

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November Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on October 26, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Calvet
Crémant de Bordeaux
Brut
Bordeaux, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Beautiful golden yellow in color with very fine and persistent bubbles, this sparkling wine has an expressive nose of yellow fruit and brioche with a fresh and balanced palate.

Varietal: 70% Sémillon, 30% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Crémant de Bordeaux (Appellation d’Origine Protégée), France
Serving Temperature: 46.4ºF – 50ºF
Serving Recommendation: To be enjoyed on its own or with dessert

WINEMAKING:
The grapes are manually harvested in small boxes, pressed and settled. The vinification follows the traditional method: first the juice is fermented at a low temperature to preserve the freshness of the bubbles. Then, when the wine is bottled, the second fermentation begins and lasts 9 months; this step transforms wine into sparkling wine.

ABOUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX: Crémant de Bordeaux became an official appellation in 1990 (similar to the Champagne region). Crémant is french for “creamy” and Crémant de Bordeaux is the name of all sparkling wines produced in the Bordeaux region using the methode traditionelle. The appellation encompasses over 500 vineyards and all grapes must be hand picked and aged for a minimum of 12 months to be categorized as a Crémant de Bordeaux.

Calvet
Crémant de Bordeaux
Brut Rosé
Bordeaux, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Intense rose color with very fine persistent bubbles. This is a fine and fruity sparkling wine. The nose is very fine and pleasant with red-fruit notes, while the palate is highly aromatic, with a long and complex finish.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Crémant de Bordeaux (Appellation d’Origine Protégée), France
Serving Temperature: 50ºF
Serving Recommendation: Perfect as an aperitif. Its fruity notes will also complement delicate tarts and fruit cocktails.
Awards: Silver – Meilleur Effervescent du Monde 2013

ABOUT CALVET WINES:
Calvet Wines, with a history dating back to 1818, is a prestigious French winery. They have been crafting exceptional wines for generations, focusing on the unique terroirs of Bordeaux and the expertise of their winemakers. Calvet is celebrated for its commitment to quality and is recognized as a symbol of excellence in French winemaking. Learn more here.

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October Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on September 30, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Schlossgut Diel
Pinot de Diel Brut
Nahe, Germany

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This wine is lively, stimulating and rich. It’s the “Ouverture” of their sparkling wine range. It impresses with a playful scent of mint and lime zest with an elegant body and fine perlage. It is pure drinking pleasure and completes the existing “Collection den Diel” almost perfectly.

Varietal: Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Riesling (co-planted and co-fermented)
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Region: Nahe, Germany
Vineyard: Various estate sites
Soil Type: Slate and Quartzite
Production: Gentle whole grape pressing, fermentation and storage in stainless steel tanks, classic bottle fermentation and long aging on the lees.
Drinking Maturity: 1-10 years after disgorgement
Serving Temperature: 46.4ºF – 50ºF

WINEMAKING NOTES:
“The new member of the Collection de Diel is made from white and Pinot Noir grapes, aged in stainless steel tanks and bottled in classic champagne bottles. It is a bottle fermentation par excellence, like all Diel sparkling wines, and sits on the yeast for around 1.5 to 2 years. That’s what makes it so tingling, light as a feather and exhilarating. Let yourself be surprised and, above all, seduced. By the way, it will celebrate its world premiere at our Summer Garden Festival 2022!” – Diel

ABOUT SCHLOSSGUT DIEL WINERY:
Now in their seventh generation of winemaking, Schlossgut Diel is a winery in the Nahe region of Germany, known for their award-winning sparkling wines – considered one of the best in Germany. They live for their wine, taking craftsmanship, precision, joy of discovery and enjoyment in harmony with family and tradition. Caroline Diel is the seventh generation winemaker and first woman at the venerable Schlossgut, having assumed the reigns together with her husband Sylvian Taurisson-Diel in 2019. Learn more here.

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September Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on August 25, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Dautel
Pinot Sekt Brut Nature
Württemberg, Germany

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

“Recently disgorged, Chris Dautel’s Pinot Brut Nature shows a clear, delicate and vinous Pinot bouquet with cherry, red apple, brioche and iodine notes. Round and remarkably delicate on the palate, this is an intense, elegant, finessed, well-structured and medium-bodied sparkling wine with fine and refreshing grip of polyphenols.” – Wine Advocate; June 30th, 2020. Tasted from lot L01-22 in April 2022.

Varietal: Pinot Noir
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Region: Württemberg, Germany
Vineyard: Multiple Vineyards
Soil Type: Mostly limestone with sandstone and clay inclusions
Fermentation/Elevage: Fermented in 300 liter oak barrels
En Tirage Aging: 24 months
Farming Practice: Practicing Organic
Critical Acclaim: Wine Advocate – 92 points; James Suckling – 92 Points

DAUTEL WINERY:
Since 1510, there has been a long tradition of winemaking in the region. Situated in the heart of Württemberg, Dautel produces wine in and around Bönnigheim and alot has changed in the course of 500 years. After Ernest Dautel graduated from Geisenheim University, he left the local cooperative. This was quite an affront as his father had been the founding member, but Ernst Dautel realized the enormous potential of his vineyards and wanted to produce great wines equal to those he had tasted during his travels in Italy and France.

In 1985 Ernest started maturing his best red wines in barrique barrels. He produced blended wines, as well as single-varietal wines and fought for the permission to plant Chardonnay vines. Admitted as a member of VDP, the Association of German Quality Wine Estates in 1999, Ernest Dautel’s accomplishments gained wide recognition and awards. Today, the Dantel family continues their pursuit of excellence and focus on quality-oriented work in the vineyards and organic cultivation. Greening soil between vine rows and using beneficial species increases the biodiversity of the vineyards and stabilizes the ecological system. All vineyards are harvested by hand, critically selecting the best grapes. This results in several rounds of harvesting in each vineyard, yielding top-quality wines. Winemaker, Christian Dautel prefers using slightly larger oak barrels than usual, with the goal of producing elegant and complex wine. Learn more >

Dautel Winery, Christian Dautel

Michaelsbert Appellation

Christian Dautel

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May Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on April 26, 2022 by mcginnessalex

The Prisoner Wine Company
Unshackled Sparkling
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This brut-style California wine has a mineral profile, driven by floral notes on the nose. On the palate, there are big, bright notes of green and Fuji apples with Asian pears. Each sip features a vibrant acidity, with a crisp, clean finish.

Varietal: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Aging: 36 months en tirage to ensure the highest quality
Serving Suggestion: For optimal flavor, refrigerate for at least three hours and serve chilled
Pairing: Serve this fruity wine with shrimp ceviche, fresh oysters, or a supreme pizza.

The Prisoner Wine Company
Unshackled Sparkling Rosé
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This brut-style California wine features a fresh, fruit-forward aroma tempered by a touch of minerality. It offers lively, bright flavors of apricot and yellow peach on the palate. Each sip features a vibrant acidity and a crisp, clean finish.

Varietal: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Aging: 36 months en tirage to ensure the highest quality
Serving Suggestion: For optimal flavor, refrigerate for at least three hours and serve chilled

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Unshackled is a brand from The Prisoner Wine Company, and recently the official wine of Coachella VIP. It’s made for those who are looking to “break free from convention, stereotypes, and perception”. When their first wine, The Prisoner, was released about two decades ago, it swiftly changed the perception of what a red blend wine could be. Since then, the winery has grown to include a range of rule-bending blends with provocative label designs to become one of the most bold and innovative wine brands in the market. Today, their Director of Winemaking, Chrissy Wittmann and her team of over 100 growers in northern California bring together exceptional fruit to produce a family of unique wines unrestricted by tradition. Learn more about their story here or follow their Instagram @unshackledwines.

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April Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on March 28, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Charles Orban
Carte Noire Brut
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Charles Orban Carte Noire Brut Champagne is clear golden in color with elegant, fine bubbles. The nose is delicate, but is dominated by citrus fruits with hints of fudge. On the palate, there is great length. It is smooth with brioche aromas and subtle notes of honey, pine nuts and light tobacco.

Varietal: 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Region: Champagne
Vineyard/Terroir: Troissy – Vallée de la Marne
Vintage: NV
Vinification: Dosage – 10 g/L
Serving Temperature: Serve at 46.4ºF-50ºF
Pairing: Serve as an aperitif, or pair with white meat or fish.
Critical Acclaim: 90 points Wine Spectator

A note of woodsy smoke underscores flavors of tangy plum, candied kumquat, white peach and fresh ginger in this mouthwatering Champagne, backed by firm, citrusy acidity. — 90 points, AN, Wine Spectator

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Orban family has been growing grapes in Troissy, a village on the left bank of the Marne, since 1770. Their vineyards cover 331 hectares and are planted with Pinot Meunier (86%), Pinot Noir (8%) and Chardonnay (6%) grapes. By the end of the 1950s, Charles Orban left the Troissy cooperative and decided to produce his own champagne, selling it under his own name. Over the years, he grew his company from just 800 bottles, to now over 200,000 bottles produced and sold. Since then, the house was sold to a champagne family that continues to uphold the Orban family tradition. Learn more about their story here.

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March Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on February 25, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Chandon
Brut Rosé
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Chandon Brut Rosé is vivacious and juicy. It’s a bright, dry Rosé with a refreshing lightness – perfect for sipping all year. On the eye, it is vibrant pink with an energetic bead and mousse. The nose is extremely fruity with subtle floral, toasty, mineral and brioche notes. On the palate, there are flavors of strawberry, red cherry, raspberry tart, red currant, pomegranate and notes of pastries or scones. The creaminess, acidity and finish are all perfectly balanced with very little sweetness.

Grapes for Brut Rosé were sourced from multiple cool-climate appellations, ensuring complexity and consistency in this vibrant, smooth style. Grapes were harvested at night to keep the fruit cool and preserve freshness. Harvest begins early August to retain acidity and capture Chardon’s signature vibrancy. State-of-the-art presses lower pressing times, limiting the the juice’s contact with the grape skins to avoid bitterness. Primary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. The second fermentation occurs in the bottle and the aging process begins. A minimum of 12 months aging imparts a creamy complexity balanced by juicy red fruit notes.

Varietal: 57% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 3% Meunier
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Brut: 9.5 g/L
Serving Temperature: Serve between 49ºF – 54ºF
Pairing: Perfect match for a sunny day, or paired with slightly spicy dishes, grilled burgers, paella, smoked salmon, gumbo, or duck fat fries.
Critical Acclaim: 2020 Wine Enthusiast – 90 pts.

Cocktail Recommendation: The Chandon Mirosa
3 oz. Chandon Brut Rosé
3 oz. Pink Grapefruit Juice

Chandon
Brut
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Brut is the signature style of Chandon and the go-to bubbly for entertaining, sipping and gifting. It showcases the fruitiness, vibrancy and freshness of Northern California’s warm, sunny days and cool nights. On the eye, it is vibrant straw yellow in color with an energetic bead and mousse. The nose is very heavy in fruit, with medium floral and brioche notes, and light toasty and mineral undertones. The palate is intense and fruity with subtle complexity. There are key flavors of green apple, citrus, pear, biscuit, almond and white flowers.

Grapes for Brut are sourced from multiple cool-climate appellations, ensuring complexity and consistency in the lively, juicy style. A minimum of 12 months aging imparts a creamy complexity, balanced by an elegant mouthfeel.

Varietal: 73% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Noir, 1% Meunier
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Brut: 9 g/L
Serving Temperature: Serve between 49ºF – 54ºF
Pairing: A refreshing aperitif, or an ideal match with any salty or creamy dishes such as oysters, caesar salad, fried chicken or calamari
Critical Acclaim:

2022 Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards – Double Gold Medal winner
2021 SF Chronicle Wine Competition – Double Gold Medal winner
2021 Santé International Wine & Spirits – Double Gold Medal winner
2021 Wine Enthusiast – 90 pts.
2020 Wine Enthusiast – 90 pts.

Cocktail Recommendation: Sparkling Margarita
3 oz. Chandon Brut
1 ½ oz. Tequila Blanco
1 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
½ oz. Agave Syrup
Salt for the Rim

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1973, by Robert-Jean de Vogüé and John Wright, Chandon is one of the first French-owned sparkling wine ventures in United States. The two carefully selected their vineyards, and are now considered to be amongst some of the best quality sparkling wines in California. Domaine Chandon is located in Yountville, within the Napa Valley, California. With their Head Winemaker, Pauline Lhote, and her skilled team, the Chandon Winery is able to combine their skilled winemaking knowledge with French techniques to produce innovate, beautiful, vibrant wines. Learn more about their story here.

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