Pu-Erh is a tea apart. Made in Yunnan from a large-leaved variety of tea plant, it is a ripe tea, whose maturation takes place in successive stages, which sets it clearly apart from black tea: the liquor is deep red, the taste sweet, aromatic and mature, with that woody, earthy base that one loves or learns to love. Mariage Frères pairs it here, for the first time, with fine bergamot.

The contrast is the very idea of this tea. The bergamot, fresh and zesty, lights up a dense, dark base; the Pu-Erh, in return, gives the citrus a depth that classic Earl Grey does not have. The ingredients list names tea and a flavouring; it is printed in full on the packaging and on this sheet.

The liquor is dense yet floral, to borrow the house’s phrase. The attack is that of bergamot, crisp; then the ripe tea settles in, round and sweet, without astringency, and the finish blends the two, long and warm. No harsh tannins: the cup of Pu-Erh is round.

It is drunk during the day, particularly after lunch, plain. It accompanies a meal, rich dishes or a mature cheese, or is drunk alone, in place of a coffee. Curious Earl Grey lovers will find an unexpected variation; Pu-Erh lovers, an aroma that does not betray the leaf.

Allow 2.5 g per 200 ml of water at 95°C and 5 minutes of steeping. Earl Grey Pu-Erh is sold loose leaf: we weigh and pack it to order in our shops in Bordeaux and Nice, from the 5 g sample to the kilo, in a bag designed to preserve its taste. It may contain traces of nuts and should be stored in an airtight tin, away from light and strong odours.