Kimberley is a high-altitude town in the South African province of Northern Cape, in the heart of the Great Karoo desert, known for its Big Hole, the largest hole ever dug by human hands, from the era of the diamond rush. Mariage Frères has named a rooibos after it that blends, the house says, passion and escape.

The base is a red rooibos, round and sweet, flavoured with mallow and rose blossoms, and with dark fruits, blackcurrant and cherry, and red fruits, strawberry and raspberry. The declared ingredients are red rooibos, mallow and flavouring; the blend may contain traces of tree nuts. Rooibos naturally contains no caffeine.

The liquor is smooth and rounded, a deep reddish-brown. The fruit opens first, blackcurrant and cherry in front, then strawberry and raspberry soften it, and the mallow and rose blossoms give the finish a tender, slightly powdery note. Low in tannins, rooibos keeps its velvety texture in the cup.

This is an evening infusion, suitable for the whole family. It is drunk plain, and goes well with a red fruit dessert, fromage blanc, or a cherry tart. Infused and then chilled, with a few fresh fruits, it makes a coloured, fruity iced drink that children enjoy.

Allow 2.5 g per 200 ml of water at 95 °C and five minutes of infusion. Kimberley is weighed and packed to order in our Bordeaux and Nice shops, from the 5 g sample to the kilo, in a pouch designed to preserve its aroma, and should be stored in an airtight container, away from light and strong odours.