Three 100 g tins in a single gift set: the Coffret 3 thés Masterpiece brings together three of Mariage Frères’ best-known blends, two black teas and one green tea. It is a gift for anyone who wants to offer the house in miniature, or to build a small stock all at once.

The first is Marco Polo Sublime, a variation on the house’s most famous black tea, with fruity notes that Mariage Frères describes as bewitching. The second is Thé à l’Opéra, a green tea flavoured with red berries and vanilla, indulgent and very gentle. The third is Earl Grey French Blue, a silky black tea in which bergamot is combined with cornflower, the house’s French take on the great English classic.

Each has its moment: Marco Polo Sublime for the afternoon and pastries, Thé à l’Opéra for the bright hours of the day, Earl Grey French Blue for the morning or lunch. Together, the three cover the whole day, and suit someone who enjoys variety, or a household where tastes differ.

Steeping parameters depend on each tea and are printed on its tin; the full list of ingredients, specific to each, is given on the packaging and on the page of each reference. Once opened, the tins should be kept closed, dry and away from light.

La Boutique du Thé, official stockist of Mariage Frères since 1999, offers you this gift set in its shops in Bordeaux and Nice. Ready to give, it fits under a Christmas tree, accompanies a birthday or thanks a host; it can also serve as a first introduction to the house before choosing, loose leaf, the tea you prefer.