A Helpful Guide To Pairing Wine And Chocolate

Pairing wine and chocolate certainly sounds like a match made in heaven. But getting the pairing right is another matter. These ingredients can overpower the palate and matching the wrong wine with dessert could result in a tasting disaster. Below, we will talk you through our helpful guide to ensure you can confidently pair chocolate and wine at your next wine tasting or dinner party. Wine And Chocolate: An Ideal Wine Pairing Many wine tasters have trouble pairing chocolate desserts and wine. To master this pairing, you need to understand the structural components of each ingredient and how they interact with each other. Although some argue that the success of this pairing is largely subjective, there are a number of principles that you can use to guide you. The flavour, acidity, weight and length of wine will have a much larger impact on the texture and sweetness of chocolate than some may anticipate.   However, with the right guidance and practice pairing wine and chocolate will become a simple task. Tips For Successfully Pairing Wine And Chocolate As we mentioned, a successful pairing of wine and chocolate comes with an in-depth understanding of the relationship and affinities between these two ingredients. Both are capable of leaving a lasting impression on the palate, so knowing how to balance their characteristics is essential. Below, we will mention the top considerations that you must keep in mind when choosing which wine to pair with chocolate and vice versa. Keep Tannins In Mind As you may know, tannins are naturally occurring compounds in grapes. Yet, they are also present in chocolate. The higher the percentage of cacao, the more tannins there are. You should try to avoid pairing a tannin-heavy wine with tannin-rich chocolate. For instance, if you are serving a chocolate mousse with a high cacao content, it is best to consider pairing with a wine that offers a fuller body, robust aroma or an intense fruit inspired flavour profile. Zindanfels can be a great pairing for tannin-rich dark chocolate due to their dense fruit flavour and higher alcohol levels. The fact that Zinfandel tends to have lower and softer tannins also means they do not clash with the tannins in chocolate. Start Sweeter An easier pairing method is to try to err on the side of sweetness. Choosing a wine that is slightly sweeter than your chocolate-themed dessert will usually ensure a successful pairing. As both wine and chocolate carry a natural intensity, the two ingredients can often partake in a palate power display. To create a friendly balance between the two, let the chocolate take the leading role while the wine supports with a slightly sweeter aftertaste. For example, consider pairing with a fortified Port, Madeira or an Italian sparkling wine such as the Fattoria Conca d’Oro. Pair Weight With Weight Pairing a full-bodied wine with lighter flavoured chocolate will ultimately diminish the elegance of the chocolate. That is why it is important to consider weight when pairing wine and chocolate. …

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Tannins Explained: A Guide to Tannins In Wine

Tannins will not be a new term for many wine tasters but are still a source of confusion. Their origins and the impact they have on the tasting experience is mystifying to many. This article acts as a guide to help you to understand what tannins are, what they do and their importance in a wine’s profile. A Guide To Tannins: What Are They And Where Do They Come From? Tannins are naturally occurring compounds that exist in many natural sources, including grapes. These compounds or polyphenols are found inside grape skins, seeds and stems. Tannins provide texture and a mouthfeel to the wine, as well as a sense of weight and structure. They also bind with proteins in saliva, drying out your mouth. This is why red wines typically pair so well with red meats – the tannins bind with the proteins in the meat, making them less astringent on your palate. Tannins form the basis of the structure of many red wines – and are known for their bitter or astringent components. How tannic a wine’s profile is will depend on a number of factors including grape variety, vineyard conditions, winemaking practices and vintage variation. For example, cooler climates tend to yield a more aggressive tannin. While the tannins of grapes grown in warmer climates are considered to be smoother and larger. As well, some varieties are more tannic than others. Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, is high in tannins, while Pinot Noir is typically much lower. Tannins In Wine: Knowing Their Importance Yet, what exactly is the importance of tannin being present in wine? They help to define the character of the wine while adding texture. Many winemakers will vary the winemaking process depending on the tannic outcome they are looking to achieve. The aim is to ensure that enough of a grape’s tannin is extracted during the maceration process. The more characteristics extracted, the deeper the complexity and personality of the wine. Another reason why they are important is the way they act as a natural antioxidant that protects the wine. This is one of the reasons why some red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, can be age-worthy. Antioxidants play an essential role in the aging process of wine, while also providing great health benefits. Describing Wine Tannins During A Tasting For many oenophiles, being able to describe tannins during a wine tasting is a wonderful skill to have. However, it can be difficult to differentiate tannins from other structural elements of a wine, such as the acidity and alcohol. While tannins are known for their bitterness or astringency, there are differences in the quality of a tannin. For example, tannins that are “unripe” or “green” can leave a bitter taste and make a wine unpleasant, especially if they are not balanced by enough fruit. However, “ripe” or “fine grained” tannins can feel velvety in the mouth and have no trace of bitterness. Next time that you are tasting a glass of red wine, note the following observations: …

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A Wine Guide To New Zealand’s Central Otago And Nelson Regions

An Introduction To New Zealand’s Wine Style The wine industry in New Zealand, although still relatively young, has received much success around the world. New Zealand has distinctive wine growing regions which spread both over its North and South islands. With more than 2000 vineyards stretching 1600 kilometres, this country’s wine offerings are as diverse as its beautiful landscapes. This New Zealand wine guide will introduce to you to some of this country’s magnificent wine growing regions. The country’s cool maritime climate makes it ideal for producing many unique and premium-quality wines. As a result of this, New Zealand winemakers have developed a diverse selection of wine styles. Sauvignon Blanc accounts for two-thirds of the wine produced in New Zealand. The explosive flavours that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc leaves on the tongue led to its superstar status in the over the last twenty years. Other wine growing regions of New Zealand are more known for their Chardonnay such as Gisborne’s rich and peachy offering. Or the internationally known soft and fruity Pinot Noir produced in Central Otago. A New World Wine Guide: Exploring New Zealand’s Vineyards Although the wine industry in New Zealand is still in its infancy, since bursting on to the global stage 25 years ago they have become a wine powerhouse. While there are over 2000 vineyards in New Zealand, this wine guide will focus on three regions in particular. These regions are Nelson, Central Otago and Marlborough. The Wine Region Of Nelson Situated on the northern tip of the South Island, the picturesque region of Nelson offers a Mediterranean climate and ideal aromatic grape varieties. Long known for its apple orchards and bountiful crops, Nelson is one of New Zealand’s smallest wine growing regions. Surrounded by mountains, it’s sheltered topography protects it from strong winds. While its proximity to the Tasman sea gives a cooler climate which is perfect for the production of aromatic wines. The region’s varying soil structure means that vineyards are split across two areas: the Moutere Hills and the Waimea Plains. Moutere Hills benefits from clay soils gives richness and texture to the grape varieties that are grown here. Whereas, the rockier soil and maritime influence in Waimea Plains give its wine a lighter and fresher style. Central Otago: The Most Southernly Wine Region Ringed by mountains and interlaced with lakes, Central Otago is known as one of New Zealand’s most spectacular wine regions. Located in the southwest of the South Island, it provides the ultimate semi-continental climate for the production of expressive and elegant wines. Due to the inland mountainous landscape, its unique climate and glacially deprived soils are ideal for the production of Pinot Noir. The vineyards of Central Otago produce not only Pinot Noir (although it accounts for 80% of wine production in this area) but also a variety of white wines. These include Reisling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Wines from Central Otago certainly have both a vibrancy and purity which is reflective of the beautiful landscape this region …

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A Tale Of Two Worlds: An Introduction To Spanish Wine Regions

Spanish wines are some of the richest in the world. They owe their prominence to a turbulent history, unique topography, and incredible spirit of the Spanish people. They both delight and challenge the drinker, and are continually redefining the conversation around the world of winemaking. This is a map to guide you on your Spanish wine journey. We look at the history of Spain’s winemaking, its wine regions and grapes, and some of the best Spanish wines to add to your collection. Modern vs Traditional: A Brief History Of Spain’s Wine Regions Spain’s history of winemaking goes back 3,000 years, but this rich tradition has run up against its share of historical roadblocks. Some of Spain’s vineyards can be traced back to 1,100 BC, and winemaking flourished. That is until the rule of the Moors from 711 AD to 1492 AD in which winemaking was outlawed. After this period winemaking bounced back in a big way, but the rise of the Franco regime in the 1930s meant that Spain’s wines were mostly kept within their borders. This dictatorship also prevented winemakers from adopting some of the modern winemaking methods spreading around the world. Traditional methods of the old world were maintained, often using unripe grapes and spurning stainless steels vats and sterile environments. The military dictatorship ended in the 70s, but even today many winemakers still prefer the old ways over the new. The overall character of Spanish wine benefits from the trials of history and the spirit of its people. Exploring The Spanish Wine Regions Spain is the third largest wine producer in the world and has 69 distinctive wine regions. A wine region in Spain is properly referred to as a “Denomination of Origin” (D.O.). Here we take a brief look at four: Rioja, Priorat, Penedès, and Costers del Segre. Rioja and Priorat are the only two Spanish wine regions that qualify as DOCa, the highest standard of quality that can be assigned to a D.O. Rioja This D.O. occupies 54,000 hectares of land in northern Spain around La Rioja, Basque Country and Navarre. It is undoubtedly Spain’s most famous wine region. The primary grape variety grown here is Tempranillo, oak aged to produce some of the most sophisticated red wines Europe. Priorat This low-yield region in Catalonia produces some of the highest quality wine in Spain. The vines that grow in these hilly, rocky vineyards 100m – 700m above sea level and produce grapes that create intense, full-bodied red wines. Penedès A short one hour drive south of Barcelona, Penedès is known for its traditional method sparkling Cava as well as dry white and red wines. Winemaking in this region dates back thousands of years, though most vineyards are about 40 – 90 years old. There are more than 140 wine producers making wine in this region. Costers del Segre Costers del Segre is Catalonia’s most inland wine producing region. Like Penedès, this region produces the grapes needed for Cava. Yet with its seven distinct districts with …

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Tasting Blind: A Step by Step Guide To Blind Wine Tasting For Sommeliers

A blind wine tasting is part of the test that all certified sommeliers must undergo. The truth is that anyone can learn the skills of a sommelier with practice. You need to work to refine your senses and structurally categorize the different qualities that make each wine grape, region and ageing practice unique. Maybe you are interested in developing your wine identification skills, or maybe you want to host a blind wine tasting at home. Here are some basic pointers to help you get started. Defining The ‘Tell’: Identifying A Wine’s Identity For a blind tasting, your eyes, nose, palate and memory all need to be up to the challenge. As you gain more experience in wine tasting, you will soon be able to discern a wine’s “tell” that helps you identify the classic wine grapes and region grown. Here are just a couple of examples from sommeliers identifying wines at a blind wine tasting hosted by Andrea Robinson: Sancerre Blanc 2013: Not enough pyrazines (herbaceous notes) for a New Zealand wine, but too much to be from most other places. Vouvray Sec 2012: A wet wool or beeswax character and “a certain old muskiness like an antique shop.” California Viognier 2012: Picking out the hints of jasmine, chervil and sweet basil amidst the opulent fruit. If you are just beginning your wine tasting journey you can not expect to have this level of granular expertise. Instead, you should focus on mastering the basic steps to categorize the different qualities of wine. Step-by-Step Guide: Improve Your Blind Tasting Skills Being able to identify a wine involves developing a system of structured tasting and observation. As you try more wines and categorize them, you build up an internal database of the unique qualities that define different wine grapes and regions. The three categories by which sommeliers assess a wine in a blind tasting are Visual, Nose\Palate, and Structure. The system they use has been handily made into the wine tasting grid below published by Wine Folly. You can print this guide and fill it out for each wine you taste, blind or no, to improve your categorization. Here’s a basic breakdown of the categories by which you assess wine. Colour Hold your glass angled away from you over a white surface to properly observe the colour. The primary colour and brightness of a wine can be indicative of a variety, age or climate. A secondary colour can also be observed in the meniscus (the edge of the wine in a glass) of red wine, or as a subtle hue of a white wine observed under a light. This can speak to the acidity of the wine, which can give you a hint as to the grape type (some have higher acid than others) or region (cooler regions tend to produce more acid than warmer regions). Lastly, the viscosity of the wine helps you identify the level of alcohol in the wine. Nose\Palate First smell, then taste. You can make a determination …

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An Introduction: The Best Tuscan Wines

Italy is the biggest wine producer in the world. Although the country’s winemaking history dates back over 4,000 years it is only in the forty years that it has become wildly popular worldwide. Tuscany plays a very important role in Italy’s wine culture, both past and present. It is the second largest producing wine region in Italy, second only to Veneto, and has a wide variety of styles ranging from easy to drink, fruit forward wine, to ultra-premium Super Tuscans. For those interested in learning more about Tuscan wines, this article serves as an introduction to the famous and everchanging Italian wine region. Tuscany: A Regional Overview Tuscany is famous for several things – beautiful art, architecture and culture of Florence and Siena, the beautiful countryside, and rolling hills and, of course, its food and wine. Situated in central Italy, Tuscany enjoys a warm, Mediterranean climate that allows producers to ripen grapes perfectly. High elevation hillside plantings, moreover, let the warm daytime temperatures cool down at night. This diurnal temperature variation helps the grapes maintain a balance of sugars, acidity and aromatics. Sangiovese is one variety that thrives on these hillside vineyards and is Tuscany’s signature red grape. Many people interchange the words “Tuscany” and “Chianti”. Not only is this incorrect, but the region’s wine landscape is far more complex and dynamic. The central core of Tuscany, where Chianti Classico is located, is based almost entirely on the noble Sangiovese grape. However, besides Chianti Classico, there are 7 sub-zones in the Chianti region including Chianti Colli Senesi and Chianti Rufina (which are the most famous out of the sub-zones) as well as Chianti Montalbano, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Colli Aretini, Chianti Montespertoli and Chianti Colli Pisane. All sub-zones have a unique microclimate and produce different styles of wine from the Sangiovese grape. Further south, where the climate is warmer, are made Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, wines that tend to have a fuller body with richer tannin structure. Further west, toward the Tuscan coast, a very different terroir emerges, and this is where “Super Tuscans” are often found, usually made by blending a little Sangiovese with non-native grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. These wines are some of the most prestigious in the world including famous labels such as Sassicaia, Solaia and Tignanello. Tuscan Wines: Knowing The Grapes With a long history, innovation, continuous review of regulation and a pride and passion for winemaking Tuscany has become a reliable and reputable source for great quality wines.  Tuscany’s terroir allows for a wide variety of white and red grapes to grow successfully. Below is an overview of the main grape varieties found in Tuscany: Sangiovese Sangiovese is the king of Tuscan grapes. It is Italy’s most widely- planted variety with 55,000 hectares across the country and has a deep-rooted history. It is noted that the origin of Sangiovese dates the grape to the time of Roman winemaking. It was even theorized that the grape was first …

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Navigating A Wine List: A Helpful Guide

Matching the perfect wine to a dish in a restaurant can often leave diners feeling frustrated. Feeling perplexed by a wine list is not uncommon and many often tend to go with a familiar option when under pressure. Yet, this doesn’t have to be the case. This article will guide wine enthusiasts on the best way to navigate a restaurant wine list and ensure that your wine choice will elevate your dining experience to new heights. Perfecting Your Restaurant Experience A restaurant experience should be one you cannot duplicate at home. The chef is careful to source beautiful ingredients and combine them in a way that builds layers of complex flavours that you cannot make at home. Try to stray a little outside your comfort zone. Don’t just order the same wine you drink regularly. As many oenophiles know, the principles of wine pairing can help to enhance your dining experience. These same principles can be of assistance when navigating a restaurant wine list. If you find the thought of choosing from a restaurant wine list daunting, here are some helpful tips. Navigational Tips For Choosing The Perfect Wine As we have mentioned before, the basic principles of wine pairing can often help us in finding our way around a restaurant’s wine list. There are a number of core elements to keep In mind when choosing the right bottle. However, while matching wine with food is great, the most important thing is that you have a wine you enjoy drinking. If that means throwing out the principals of wine pairing, then so be it. It’s your night out! Select A Region It is often helpful to decide what country you would like to drink first. There are two benefits to this approach. First, it helps to narrow down the wine list dramatically, which is especially useful if the list is more than a page or two. Secondly, however, it also helps to match the region of the wine with the origin of the food. Wine often has a symbiotic relationship with the culinary traditions of the region in which it is grown, so pairing a wine based on place can help you choose a good match. For example, if you have ordered a dish with strong Italian and Mediterranean influences such as tomatoes and olives, this may guide you to choose a wine from Italy, Southern France, Western Spain, Greece or even North Africa. As they say, “What grows together goes together.” Decide What You Want To Spend Price should be a consideration when choosing a wine. However, don’t just choose the most expensive wine on the list because you think it must be best. Likewise, don’t just chose the least expensive because you think it is the best deal. A good restaurant will develop a wine list to accommodate most budgets and you should first decide how much you would like to spend. A good rule of thumb is to consider 2 to 3 times what you normally spend …

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Why is Champagne the most luxurious sparkling wine on the planet?

Sparkling wine “sparkle” because when wine yeasts convert sugar to alcohol, they give off carbon dioxide as a bi-product. Trapping this carbon dioxide is what creates bubbles. But all bubbles are not created equal. There are two major ways of creating the bubbles: In the bottle and in a tank. The price of a sparkling wine is usually a function of the way these bubbles are created. In the Bottle — Traditional Method The traditional way of creating carbonation, and the method that Champagne invented, is to let the wine ferment in the bottle. A finished wine is bottled, and then small amounts of additional sugar and yeast are added to the bottle before it is corked and laid on its side. For 6 to 8weeks, a second fermentation takes place and the carbon dioxide dissolves into the wine. The wine can then rest anywhere from 6 months to many years depending on what sort of flavours the winemaker is after. The longer a wine ages in the bottle, the more contact it has with the yeast, which creates bready, brioche or toasty notes. The bubbles also become more integrated and finer the longer a wine sits”on the lees”. Once a wine finishes aging on its lees, the final task is to extract the yeast from the bottle. A complicated process is then undertaken to slowly turn the bottle to an upside–down position before freezing the neck and extracting the sediment. Voila! a bottle of sparkling wine is born. This whole process is complicated, time consuming and capital intensive, and is why Champagne costs what it does. But other countries, such as Italy(in Franciacorta) and Spain (in Penedes) have created a reputation for producing traditional method sparkling wine. They typically do not have the same aging requirements and toasty or biscuity flavours, but theyare well worth a look. Pierre Gobillard Champagne Brut Authentique$59.50 btl / $357.00 cs (case of 6 x 750ml) Majolini Franciacorta Brut$37.00 btl / $444.00 cs (case of 12 x 750ml) Franciacortais not usually on people’s radar since only about 20 producers export Franciacorta In recent years it has gained recognition amongst top wine critics and is often described as Italy’s answer to Champagne. The main difference is that it ages on thelees longer than Champagne, making it even more complex and offering outstanding value.  Majolini is a small yet prestigious producer in the region. Their non-vintage version is 90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir. There is a lightly earthy, slightly bruised apple note that is lovely. In the mouth it is quite full with palate-filling freshness, and again that touch of the bruised apple and pear. Nice hints of sweetness here, in a wine that is long and quite complex. Food Pairing: It is an excellent aperitif and fine accompaniment to oysters, cold seafood platters, creamy cheeses such as brie and delicate first courses Codorniu Anna de Codorniu Brut Reserva$19.05 btl / $228.60 cs (case of 12 x 750ml) Produced using the traditional method, and aged for …

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Installing A Wine Cellar In Your Home? Considerations You Need To Know

Making The Decision To Install A Wine Cellar If you are thinking about installing a wine cellar in your property, there are a number of considerations that you should keep in mind. The process of adding a cellar to your home requires a lot of planning and preparation. While determining the location for your wine storage is an important first step, there are other facets that dedicated enophiles should give as much due thought to, if not more. This article will discuss the core factors and elements that go into constructing the perfect wine cellar for your property and wine collection.   Top Considerations To Be Kept In Mind Wine enthusiasts will know that installing a wine cellar in their home is a true investment and therefore, putting the correct preparation in place will ensure that no elements are overlooked. Finding The Right Contractor Finding the right craftsmen to bring your wine cellar vision to fruition is one of the most vital aspects of the construction project. A contractor must have the technical abilities and proficiency in the proper techniques of installing a wine cellar. Ensure that the contractor you are working with has experience and knowledge in areas such as vapor barrier, proper insulation, glazing options and exterior grade doors. Size & Location Of The Cellar The location and size of your wine cellar will have an impact on many other elements that are involved as part of adding wine storage to your property. Many enophiles are now moving away from the traditional placement of a basement for their cellars and are choosing to have their wine collections become a focal point in a room that is used for dining and socializing. It is important to note, however, that wine cellars are best placed in a location that has a temperature of at least 12 degrees Celsius and a 60% humidity level. When determining the location and size of your cellar, give consideration both to the current size of your wine collection and how big you expect your collection to grow. Modest collections can be incorporated into your living space with a self-contained wine cooler, but if you have expectations of a collection of more than a couple of hundred bottles, locating your cellar in a basement may be a better option in terms of available space. Cost Of The Project The cost of a cellar project can vary depending on how you envision the design of the wine storage space. Size, location, choice of cooling unit and materials must all be factored in when budgeting for the project. Many enophiles aim to create a particular atmosphere with their cellar and, as a result, the design of a cellar can vary greatly. Depending on personal preference, a minimalistic look with seamless glass and clean lines may fit your vision. Or perhaps, the traditional and classic look of natural stone or wood may be more your style. The choice of materials that you use during construction especially in terms of …

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Wine Pairing: Mastering The Principles

Matching food with the right wine is more than just pairing white wine with fish. Knowing how the components of both food and wine compliment and contrast with one another can do wonders for enhancing a dining experience. This article will look into the structural elements and subtle intricacies that affect how wine and food are paired with each other. How To Master Wine Pairing The components that make up varieties of wine and food are complicated. Yet, when paired correctly can offer a beautiful harmony between the two. Mastering the principles of wine pairing takes practice. Some say that with wine pairing you can never go wrong, you can only continue to learn. While this is true, by having a deeper understanding of how the structural elements and components of wine and food react with one another when dining can help you better decipher how to master wine pairing more efficiently. Key Wine Pairing Principles As wine tasters, we are aware that some individuals’ wine tasting skills will be more advanced than others and not everyone will be able to pick up on the nature of a wine in the same way. Similarly, wine pairing can be quite subjective.  Individual and personal preference can often play a factor in how a dish is paired with a bottle of wine. With that being said, there are key wine pairing principles that when understood and followed can help make your dining and tasting experience both harmonious and enjoyable.   Body With Body Pay attention to textual components such as the body or weight of food and wine. You may have heard that “red wine should be paired with red meat” and “white wine should be matched with fish.” While this isn’t wrong, per se, the reason these are often associated with each other is due to their similar palate weights. Generally, a full-bodied red wine will be paired with food that is richer, chewier and may have a higher oil content. However, that is not to say that all red wines should only be served with heavy meat dishes. For example, a medium-bodied Pinot Noir from Burgundy can be paired perfectly with that a medium-weight fish such as bass. Alternatively, a salty Assyrtiko from Greece can be decanted and served with a pork roast. Pairing dishes and wine based on body similarity is one of the core principles of wine pairing.    Place With Place Often, if you are unsure about the correct pairing that you should go with, matching place with place can be helpful. Regional pairing can provide those who are still learning with a template. For example, a fruity, yet mineral driven Sancerre pairs extremely well with a Chavignol goat cheese from the region. Or a light and elegant Ribolla Gialla matches nicely with a Prosciutto di San Daniele. However, is important to remember that this principle serves only as a general guideline and pairing simply by region is not always the answer.   Contrast Vs Compliment Determining …

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