10 Best Sauvignon Blanc Wines Under $20 (2023)

10 Best Sauvignon Blanc Wines Under $20 Featured

Possibly The World’s Most Popular White Wine Grape

The first known mention of Sauvignon Blanc was in 1534 by writer François Rabelais. He wrote about this unique grape variety that originates in the Loire Valley of France. To this day, Sauvignon Blanc is considered one of France’s noble grape varietals. Generally, the grape is renowned for wines with herbaceous and citrus flavors and a subtle but pleasing effervescence. That said, Sauvignon Blanc is also used in creating heady, smoky wine, in the famous Fume style.


Best Overall Best Value Best From California Best From France Best From Australia Best From Argentina Best From South Africa Best From Chile Best From Spain One More New Zealand
Bottle
Name Rapaura Springs Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Te Pā Sauvignon Blanc St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc Domaine du Salvard Cheverny Blanc Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc Pulenta Estate Sauvignon Blanc (VI) Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc Matetic EQ Coastal Sauvignon Blanc Marqués de Riscal Sauvignon Blanc Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard
Color White White White White White White White White White White
Country New Zealand New Zealand United States France Australia Argentina South Africa Chile Spain New Zealand
Grapes Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc
Taste Passion Fruit, Grapefruit, Guava, Pineapple, Meyer Lemon, Apple, Pear, Flint, Stones Lemon, Papaya, Mango, Passion Fruit, Gooseberry, Peach, Pineapple Pineapple, Guava, Anise, Lemon Rind, Pear, Vanilla Spice, Lemongrass, Basil Grapefruit, Apricot, Peach, Honey, Lemongrass, Pepper, Anise, Passion Fruit Apricot, Lime, Meyer Lemon, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Guava, Nectarine Peach, Apricot, Honeysuckle, Meyer Lemon, Acacia, Mint, Rosemary, Pineapple Melon, Orange, Apple, Gooseberry, Grass, Lemon Apple, Pear, Gooseberry, Concrete, Clove, Pineapple, Flint, Campfire Gooseberry, Honey, Lemon, Melon, Lime, Pineapple, Guava, Vanilla Spice, Lemongrass White Peach, Ginger, Lemon, Fennel, Apple, Pineapple, And Guava
Food Pairing Grouper, Sea Bass, Oven-baked Chicken, Veal, Mexican, Brussel Sprouts, Le Roulé, Fruit Salad Cioppino, Shellfish, Goat Cheese, Vegetarian Dishes, Crab Cakes, Feta Lobster, Cod, Shrimp Linguini, Mackerel, Caesar Salad, Brie Shellfish, Red Snapper, Grouper, Roast Chicken, Greek Pasta Salad, Goat Cheese, Burrata Seafood, Sea Bass, Fried Chicken, Turkey Burger, Smoked Salmon, Fruit Salad Halibut, Fish And Chips, Grilled Salmon, Chicken Risotto, Parmesan Seafood, Fried Calamari, Red Snapper, Ravioli With Tomato Sauce, Gruyère Haddock, Sea Bass, Roast Lamb, Danish Cheese, And Macaroons Oysters, Grouper, Sushi, Tomato-based Pasta, Asparagus Omelet, Goat Cheese Swordfish, Scallops, Prawns, Chicken Curry, Thai, Mexican, Rocket Salad, Muenster
Alcohol Content 13.5% 13% 13.5% 12% 13% 12% 13.6% 14% 12.5% 12.6%
Sugar Content Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry
Our Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5) 4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5) 4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5) 4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5) 4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5) 4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5) 4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5) 4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5) 4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5) 4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)
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Bright and Bold

Sauvignon Blanc wines are packed with herbaceous flavors of asparagus, green and red bell pepper, grass, and citrus. If grown in hot climates, they show juicy flavors of tropical and stone fruits, such as passion fruits, pineapples, guavas, and peaches. Yet, they can also be found in a Fume style, usually in the US, where they present dynamic and bold flavors of charred wood, smoke, cloves, and vanilla spice, as well as creaminess.

Discovering the top-rated Sauvignon Blanc under $20 is definitely a challenge. In fact, if you are not a die-hard Sauvignon Blanc fan, ready to spend for the best quality wine, finding top Sauvignon Blanc wines under $20 might seem an unrealistic goal. That said, do not be intimidated, or even discouraged because we tasted some of the best Sauvignons and here they are:


Best Sauvignon Blanc Wines Under $20

Best Overall

  • Name — Rapaura Springs Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
  • Winery — Rapaura Springs
  • Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
  • Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
  • Aroma — Lemongrass, Tomato Leaf, Peach, Apricot, Nectarine
  • Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
  • Taste — Passion Fruit, Grapefruit, Guava, Pineapple, Meyer Lemon, Apple, Pear, Flint, Stones
  • Alcohol Content — 13.5%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Grouper, Sea Bass, Oven-baked Chicken, Veal, Mexican, Brussel Sprouts, Le Roulé, Fruit Salad
Overall Rating: 4.8

Positives
  • Heady Aromas
  • Mouthwatering Palate
  • Sharp, Refreshing Acidity
Negatives
  • A Bit Sour Near The End

Tasting Notes

The wine’s bouquet is characterized by heady aromas of stone fruits and lemongrass, alongside hints of tomato leaf. On the palate, this typical Marlborough Sauvignon shows a pleasant effervescence and razor-sharp acidity. It is medium-bodied, packed with ripe citrus and pineapple lingering on the finish.

Pronounced aromas of peaches, apricots, and nectarines join scents of lemongrass, tomato leaf, and gooseberries to form the bright bouquet. The palate is mouthwatering, filled with suggestions of passion fruit, citrus, guava, and pineapple. Medium-bodied and balanced, the sharp acidity refreshes as the pleasant effervescence drives into the lengthy, albeit slightly sour finish.

Grapevines Irrigated by the Southern Alps

Based in Rapaura, New Zealand, the heart of Malborough, Rapaura Springs is family-owned. Calling the Southern Alps home, their grapevines are irrigated with water coming from this snow-capped mountain range, filtered through bedrock. In this way, the vines produce fruit with a very high flavor concentration, highly expressive of the locale.


Best Value

  • Name — Te Pā Sauvignon Blanc
  • Winery — Te Pā
  • Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
  • Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
  • Aroma — Grapefruit, Lemon, Apple, Pear, Passion Fruit, Grass, Straw
  • Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
  • Taste — Lemon, Papaya, Mango, Passion Fruit, Gooseberry, Peach, Pineapple
  • Alcohol Content — 13%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Cioppino, Shellfish, Goat Cheese, Vegetarian Dishes, Crab Cakes, Feta
Overall Rating: 4.7

Positives
  • Bold Palate With Considerable Flavor Depth
  • Crispy
  • Rounded Texture
Negatives
  • Limited Aromatic Complexity

Tasting Notes

On the bouquet, the wine brims with aromas of citrus, green fruit, and passion fruit. As it enters the mouth the elegant flavors that dominate are accompanied by crisp acidity and a balanced, controlled aftertaste.

Exotic and expressive, Te Pā Sauvignon Blanc shows pronounced fragrances of grapefruit, apple, pear, and passion fruit on the nose. In the mouth, a core of gooseberries, lime zest, and peaches join flavors of pineapple and guava. Crisp and refreshing, the texture is rounded and welcoming. The finish sees lots of minerals blended with dried herbs and florals.

Bringing the Taste of Home to the International Market

In 2003, Haysley MacDonald planted vines on his family’s land to establish a premium range of wines to bring the flavors of his home, Te Pā, to the rest of the world. Together with winemaker Sam Bennett, Haysley MacDonald ensures exceptional wine from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Noir Rosé. Te Pā is considered one of the top wine producers in New Zealand, with their wines receiving several accolades and awards.


Best From California

  • Name — St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc
  • Winery — St. Supéry
  • Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Napa County, Napa Valley
  • Type — Napa Sauvignon Blanc
  • Aroma — Grapefruit, Meyer Lemon, Apple, Honey, Nectarine, Peach
  • Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
  • Taste — Pineapple, Guava, Anise, Lemon Rind, Pear, Vanilla Spice, Lemongrass, Basil
  • Alcohol Content — 13.5%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Lobster, Cod, Shrimp Linguini, Mackerel, Caesar Salad, Brie
Overall Rating: 4.6

Positives
  • Crispy Nose
  • Vibrant, Delicious Palate
  • Long Finish
Negatives
  • Lacks A Bit Of Balance

Tasting Notes

This Sauvignon Blanc is crispy with fragrances of citrus, lime, and tropical fruit, mingled with gentle hints of baking spice. Vibrant on the palate, the wine shows flavors of grapefruit and lemon rind. A Sauvignon of great value, St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc exhibits aromas of grapefruit, Meyer lemon, apple, and honeyed citrus on the nose.

After a few swirls, however, these fragrances are followed by waves of pineapple and guava mingled with anise. Clean and dynamic on the palate, flavors of pink grapefruit, lemon rind, and pear dominate the mouth as they drive into the dry, long finish. The acidity is fresh and stimulating.

Supporting Biodiversity and Viticulture

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery was founded in 1982 in the renowned Rutherford wine zone in the heart of Napa Valley. Since then, it has supported biodiversity and sustainable viticulture. After a decade of searching for the best grape-growing area in California to implement biodynamic farming, the founding family purchased Dollarhide Ranch.

There, the estate’s Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon vines are grown, with the diversity of Dollarhide’s terroir contributing to the successful farming of the famous red and white Bordeaux varieties.


Best From France

  • Name — Domaine du Salvard Cheverny Blanc
  • Winery — Domaine du Salvard
  • Country/Region — France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Cheverny
  • Type — Loire Valley White
  • Aroma — Honeysuckle, Pear, Apple, Pineapple, Lemon, Grass
  • Grapes — 85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Chardonnay
  • Taste — Grapefruit, Apricot, Peach, Honey, Lemongrass, Pepper, Anise, Passion Fruit
  • Alcohol Content — 12%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Shellfish, Red Snapper, Grouper, Roast Chicken, Greek Pasta Salad, Goat Cheese, Burrata
Overall Rating: 4.6

Positives
  • Classic French Sauvignon
  • Silky Texture
  • Fine Balance
  • Graceful Aftertaste
Negatives
  • A Little Bit Bitter

Tasting Notes

The intense aromas of gooseberry and pink grapefruit on the nose are accompanied by flavors of pear, apple, and pineapple on the palate, graced with precision, intensity, and tension. A bold Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay blend from Upper Loire Valley. The wine opens with vibrant fragrances of honeysuckle, pear, apple, pineapple, and citrus.

Medium-bodied with a silky texture, crisp tastes of grapefruit, apricot, peach, and honey extend over the delicious palate. Traces of lemongrass, pepper, and wet grass offer structure, finishing long. The brisk acidity stimulates as a touch of a gentle effervescence graces the back-palate.

Domaine du Salvard: Producing Exceptional Sauvignon Blanc

A working Domaine since 1898, Domaine du Salvard is a historic French winery owned by the Delaille family. During the years of its operation, Domaine du Salvard has stayed true to the winemaking traditions established by the original founders, producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc.

On top of this, the Sauvignon Blanc vines are rooted in the clay, sand, and limestone plains of the northeast Touraine, the center of this noble grape variety. The farming is sustainable while the vinification is temperature-controlled. Domaine du Salvard produces Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cot wines, as well.


Best From Australia

  • Name — Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc
  • Winery — Shaw + Smith
  • Country/Region — Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Hills
  • Type — Australian Sauvignon Blanc
  • Aroma — Apple, Pear, Gooseberry, Grapefruit, Nettle, Honey, Orange Blossom
  • Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
  • Taste — Apricot, Lime, Meyer Lemon, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Guava, Nectarine
  • Alcohol Content — 13%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Seafood, Sea Bass, Fried Chicken, Turkey Burger, Smoked Salmon, Fruit Salad
Overall Rating: 4.6

Positives
  • Expressive Bouquet
  • Juicy Mouth
  • Pleasant Finish
Negatives
  • Might Feel Too Overwhelming

Tasting Notes

This Sauvignon Blanc is vibrant and one of the most aromatic wines available on this list. Aromas of apples, pears, nettles, and grapefruits define the bouquet, while Meyer lemons lead to a juicy palate of citrus fruits. It is an expressive Sauvignon, packed with scents and aromas of honey, orange blossom, and peaches. This bouquet leads into the crisp, smooth palate. There you encounter tastes of lime, Meyer lemon, and apricot, which excite the tastebuds. The finish is deliciously pleasant with touches of lime, thyme, and flint.

One of Australia’s Top Wine Producers

Established in 1989 by cousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith, Shaw + Smith is one of the best wine producers in Australia. They specialize in crafting cold-climate varieties in the prestigious Adelaide Hills, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz. Over the years, their wines and winemaking have changed stylistically. Nevertheless, the high quality of their grapes remains the same. Consequently, Shaw + Smith always strives to produce delicious wines, highly expressive of Australia’s terroir.


Best From Argentina

  • Name — Pulenta Estate Sauvignon Blanc (VI)
  • Winery — Polenta Estate
  • Country/Region — Argentina, Mendoza, Agrelo
  • Type — Argentina Sauvignon Blanc
  • Aroma — Grapefruit, Tangerine, Passion Fruit, Guava, Flint, Wet Stone
  • Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
  • Taste — Peach, Apricot, Honeysuckle, Meyer Lemon, Acacia, Mint, Rosemary, Pineapple
  • Alcohol Content — 12%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Halibut, Fish And Chips, Grilled Salmon, Chicken Risotto, Parmesan
Overall Rating: 4.4

Positives
  • Bright On The Bouquet
  • Tasty Palate
  • Balanced
Negatives
  • Slightly Weak Finish

Tasting Notes

Welcoming citrus and tropical aromas on the nose join nuances of minerals and tangerines upfront. Easygoing on the palate, Pulenta Estate Sauvignon Blanc is subtly citric, packed with flavors of stone fruit and florals in the mouth. Regrettably, it fades quickly on the aftertaste.

Grapefruit, tangerine, passion fruit, and guava surface on the nose and are followed by traces of flint and wet stones. The tasty palate shows flavors of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle, as well as notes of lime and Meyer lemon. Notes of acacia, mint, and rosemary contribute depth, accentuated by racy acidity. The finish is muted and a bit weak though.

Argentinian Excellence

The Pulenta family has been active in viticulture for three generations. They are considered one of the most respected winemaking families in Argentina. The Pulenta Estate was established by Eduardo and Hugo Pulenta in 2002, with the vineyards being renowned for giving high-quality due to the limited yields. Their diverse wine portfolio includes Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more.


Best From South Africa

  • Name — Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc
  • Winery — Klein Constantia
  • Country/Region — South Africa, Western Cape, Coastal Region, Cape Town, Constantia
  • Type — South African Sauvignon Blanc
  • Aroma — Orange Blossom, Pear, Grapefruit, Stone, Flint, Peach
  • Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
  • Taste — Melon, Orange, Apple, Gooseberry, Grass, Lemon
  • Alcohol Content — 13.6%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Seafood, Fried Calamari, Red Snapper, Ravioli With Tomato Sauce, Gruyère
Overall Rating: 4.5

Positives
  • Welcoming Nose
  • Rounded Texture
  • Vibrant Acidity
Negatives
  • Slightly Flat

Tasting Notes

This wine opens with a bright appearance and a welcoming nose of aromas of citrus, minerals, and stone fruit. The palate is weighty, medium-to-full-bodied, with a rounded texture and brisk acidity. Inviting fragrances of orange blossom, pear, and grapefruit, join traces of stone, flint, and peach, as the wine opens upfront. In the mouth, fresh, pure tastes of melon, orange, and apple combine with notes of gooseberry, grass, and lemon. The vibrant acidity is present and drives into the rich, lingering finish.

Producing Top South African Wine

Set amidst ancient trees and greenery on the foothills of the Constantiaberg, Klein Constantia has some of the most beautiful vines in the world. Klein Constantia is also renowned for producing high-quality South African wines and arguably the world’s best dessert wine. In every case, they strive to produce wines that reflect the cool Constantia climate and the South African tradition.


Best From Chile

  • Name — Matetic EQ Coastal Sauvignon Blanc
  • Winery — Matetic
  • Country/Region — Chile, Aconcagua, San Antonio Valley
  • Type — Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
  • Aroma — Grapefruit, Papaya, Peach, Mango, Thyme, Lemongrass, Flint
  • Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
  • Taste — Apple, Pear, Gooseberry, Concrete, Clove, Pineapple, Flint, Campfire
  • Alcohol Content — 14%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Haddock, Sea Bass, Roast Lamb, Danish Cheese, And Macaroons
Overall Rating: 4.5

Positives
  • Herbal Aromas
  • Vivid, Crisp Palate
  • Lingering Finish
Negatives
  • A Little Bitter

Tasting Notes

Matetic EQ Coastal Sauvignon Blanc shows delicate green hues, accompanied by a complex nose of tropical and citrus aromas and nuances of herbals. The palate is vivid, crisp, and delicious. In fact, the flavor concentration is considerably high, as the fruit-forward wine concludes with a lingering finish.

As soon as the wine is uncorked, fragrances of grapefruit, papaya, peach, and mango mingle with subtle nuances of thyme and lemongrass for added complexity. Bright tastes of apple, pear, and gooseberry dominate the palate, interlacing with flavors of concrete, cloves, and pineapple. On top of this, notes of flint, campfire, and passion fruit are supported by saline acidity. The finish is long but a bit bitter.

Crafting Perfectly Balanced Wines

Matetic Winery was founded in 1999 by the Matetic family to diversify their business ventures. The family was confident in the soils and climate of Rosario Valley, so they entered the wine market. As they built their wine firm, a team of wine professionals guided every one of their steps, ensuring that Matetic wines are now of the highest possible quality. As a side note, the EQ stands for Equilibrium (balance), meaning that the produced wines show exceptional balance.


Best From Spain

  • Name — Marqués de Riscal Sauvignon Blanc
  • Winery — Marqués de Riscal
  • Country/Region — Spain, Castilla y León, Rueda
  • Type — Spanish Sauvignon Blanc
  • Aroma — Grass, Passion Fruit, Grapefruit, Nectarine, Honeysuckle, Peach
  • Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
  • Taste — Gooseberry, Honey, Lemon, Melon, Lime, Pineapple, Guava, Vanilla Spice, Lemongrass
  • Alcohol Content — 12.5%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Oysters, Grouper, Sushi, Tomato-based Pasta, Asparagus Omelet, Goat Cheese
Overall Rating: 4.3

Positives
  • Complex Bouquet
  • Mouthwatering Sensations
  • Crispy And Refreshing
Negatives
  • Stiff Aftertaste

Tasting Notes

Fresh and elegant, this Sauvignon Blanc might not be as robust as Bordeaux Sauvignons, but it still brims with personality. Complex fruit green grass notes on the nose are framed by a core of passion fruit and citrus, as the crisp, palatable palate provides vibrancy and excitement. A good Sauvignon Blanc under $20.

As you pour the wine into the glass, bright aromas of grass, passion fruit, grapefruit, and nectarine emerge and form a quite complex bouquet. In the mouth, tension is prevalent as juicy flavors of melon, lime, pineapple, and guava mix for mouthwatering sensations. On top of this, tastes of gooseberry, honey, and lemongrass are discernible, too. The crisp acidity refreshes the mid-palate, while the finish is slightly oak-driven and concludes the tasting profile with dynamism.

Spanish Winemaking Pioneers

In 1858, Marqués de Riscal became the first winery in Rioja to produce Bordeaux-style wines. Years later, in 1972, it also became the first winery to promote the Rueda Designation of Origin. Marqués de Riscal exports wines to over 70 countries, which have received numerous awards and accolades. The owner of the winery is Frank O. Gehry, who, in the 21st-century, created an iconic château as a tribute to Marqués de Riscal, connecting modern art and wine nature to legacy.


One More New Zealand

  • Name — Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard
  • Winery — Craggy Range
  • Country/Region — New Zealand, North Island, Wairarapa, Martinborough
  • Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
  • Aroma — Passion Fruit, Peach, Pear, Lime, Apricot, Nectarine
  • Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
  • Taste — White Peach, Ginger, Lemon, Fennel, Apple, Pineapple, And Guava
  • Alcohol Content — 12.6%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Swordfish, Scallops, Prawns, Chicken Curry, Thai, Mexican, Rocket Salad, Muenster
Overall Rating: 4.7

Positives
  • Juicy Aromas
  • Delicious Mouth
  • Long Aftertaste
Negatives
  • Limited Flavor Depth

Tasting Notes

In appearance, this wine has a pale straw color. On the nose, ripe aromatics of peach, stone fruit, and lime display characteristic boldness. The mouth is delicious, concentrated, and juicy. The saline acidity stimulates, finishing in a long and graceful way.

Attractive, heady aromas of passion fruit, peach, pear, and lime define the bouquet, as elegant touches of apricot and nectarine follow. Very pure and juicy on the palate, flavors of candied ginger, white peaches, lemons, and fennel commence a crazy dance. Once done, waves of apples and zesty limes hit the mid-palate. The acidity is lively and refreshing, while the aftertaste is straightforward and lengthy.

Phenomenal Quality Single-Vineyard Winemaking

The Craggy Range winery was founded in 1997 in the shadow of the Te Mata Peak in New Zealand’s prestigious winemaking area, Hawke Bay. The winery has a premium portfolio, producing exceptional single-vineyard wines from grapes grown in estate vineyards in Hawke Bay, Marlborough, and Martinborough. The special soils and distinctive climates are responsible for giving wines of such high flavor concentration and authority. As such, Craggy Range has earned the reputation of being one of New Zealand’s greatest wine producers.

Conclusion

This is it! We reached the end of our wine list. Hopefully, we helped you find the best Sauvignon Blanc wine under $20. Granted, not every one of the above Sauvignons might suit your tastes. Nevertheless, there must be a couple that you will love and always recommend to friends who ask you what is the best Sauvignon Blanc under $20?

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