Thés & Traditions
The French Tea Company – Since 2016
Produced in the Yunnan province of China, the Pu-erh tea is known to improve over time. Sold in cake or brick form, it can be stored for many years. During tasting, it delivers various aromas and a typical taste. Whether it's a vintage Pu-erh or an aged tea, it will guarantee you a unique experience.
Discover our Pu-erh teas
Pu-erh is a typical Chinese black tea produced using a specific process that allows it to improve as it ages. It can be enjoyed both young and mature.
Traditionally, Pu-erh comes in different forms; loose, cake, or brick. When compressed, it can be stored for many years. The older it gets, the more its taste evolves. Old Pu-erh teas are particularly renowned for being excellent tasting teas. At what point can we consider that a Pu-erh belongs to this category? Theoretically, it would take at least fifty years to be able to say that a Pu-erh is old. Indeed, this is the ideal aging duration to allow a tea to reach the level of maturation necessary for developing the typical aromas of an aged Pu-erh. However, as these products are rather rare, their price is often very high. You can then consider that by tasting a Pu-erh aged over five years, you will already experience the first typical notes due to maturation.
By choosing a Pu-erh aged for decades, you are guaranteed to taste a post-fermented tea rich in flavors. When brewed, it releases predominant notes of wood and dried fruits, as well as a subtle blend of different aromas. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to infuse the same leaves multiple times without losing quality in terms of taste. Indeed, this is one of the main advantages of a vintage or aged Pu-erh. The older it is, the better it will retain its organoleptic qualities, even after undergoing multiple infusions.
Among aged teas, you will find vintage Pu-erh teas that are also aged. What are the characteristics specific to these different products? We explain everything to you.
Aged Pu-erh is obtained through a particular production technique. This mainly concerns the method used for storing tea leaves. After being harvested and dried, they are stored in a humid environment to trigger a fermentation process. Unlike natural storage, producers then control the aging of the tea by creating the ideal conditions themselves. They add moisture and regularly aerate the area to allow the black tea to reach a certain level of maturation.
Depending on its origin, production method, and year of production, a Pu-erh will release various notes and aromas. To truly appreciate the characteristic taste of an aged Chinese black tea, it is essential to choose a quality product, preferably from an organic range. Not only will you notice the differences in taste, but you will also appreciate the benefits attributed to this traditional Yunnan beverage. Made from the best harvests, a vintage Pu-erh will surprise you with its multiple fragrances and notes, reminiscent of wood, almond, or even licorice. You will certainly be amazed by its texture in the mouth; rather soft and silky. Want to form your own opinion? Treat yourself to an organic Pu-erh of at least 5 years old, along with the essential accessories for preparation and tasting.
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