A beautiful and unique tea from ancient non-Sinensis varietal tea trees growing wild at altitudes of 2200-2500m in Phong Thổ, Lai Châu. The people living and making tea in this area are of the Dao ethnicity.
 
The raw leaves used to make this tea take on shades of red, purple and green with a glossy look and every tree produces leaves with a different appearance. You can also find leaves that look different on individual trees. Picking the leaves to make this tea requires a long walk into the forest and climbing up very tall tea trees. This is only possible on days with good weather.
 
This tea brews up into a clear golden soup. The fragrance and flavor is stone fruit fruity and floral with cane sugar, orchid and mountain forest notes. This tea has a lingering “purple effect” common in many wild varietal white teas like this and a strong but relaxing qi. No bitterness or astringency.
 
I like to brew this one at 90C for the first few steeps and then gradually increase to 100C during later steeps.
 
This tea goes many rounds and is also a good option for grandpa-style brewing.
 
Season: Spring 2024
Picking Standard: 1 bud, 1-3 leaves
Region: Phòng Thổ, Lai Châu
Elevation: 2200-2500m