An Earl Grey on white tea, and a rosy one at that: Earl Grey Rhapsody joins Mariage Frères’ collection of bergamot teas by an unexpected route. A precious white tea, according to the house, is enriched with notes of pure bergamot and yields a silky liquor of a delicate rosy hue. It comes here in a box of thirty round cotton muslin sachets, a black box with white polka dots, decorated with bright colours.

White tea is the least processed of teas: buds and young leaves simply withered and dried, with a light liquor that is almost free of tannins. The house has tinted it pink with beetroot, a natural ingredient that colours without flavouring. Composition: white tea, beetroot, flavouring; the blend may contain traces of tree nuts.

In the cup, bergamot, that Calabrian citrus with its floral, zesty perfume, expresses itself elegantly over the downy softness of the white tea: no astringency, no dryness, a fine, fragrant liquor in which the bergamot lingers for a long time without ever becoming cloying. Those who find black Earl Grey too austere will discover a silkier, lighter version.

It is enjoyed during the day, plain and without milk, with scones, a lemon tart or shortbread; iced, with a slice of lemon, it is remarkably refreshing. The round, traditional cotton muslin lets the buds open and gives a clearer infusion than a paper tea bag.

Allow 1 muslin sachet per 200 ml of water at 85 °C and seven minutes of steeping: white tea needs cooler water and more time than black tea. The box contains 30 muslin sachets, 75 g net; keep it closed, away from light and strong odours.