Like a whispered confidence, says Mariage Frères: that is how Mandarine Amoureuse reveals itself. A green tea whose indulgence is carried by a fruity sweetness reminiscent of candied zests, where the subtle freshness of the leaves entwines with the juicy vivacity of mandarin, and whose succulent, luminous notes glide over an elegant trail of rose petals.

The composition combines tea, flavouring and rose; the blend may contain traces of tree nuts. The mandarin, here described as rose-tinged, brings a softer sweetness than orange and less acidity than lemon; the rose, visible in the dry leaf, signs off the finish.

It is offered in the house's iconic tin: a black metal tin, airtight and lidded, holding 100 g of tea and presented in its gift box. An object to give, for Valentine's Day or for no reason at all.

In the cup, the liquor is clear and fragrant. The mandarin opens, juicy and sunny, then the green tea brings its vegetal freshness, and the rose arrives at the finish, delicate and a little powdery. The flavours, says the house, leave a romantic impression on the palate; let us say more soberly that they linger gently. It is an afternoon tea, to be drunk plain, or iced in summer, when the mandarin gains freshness. It goes well with rose biscuits, a clementine salad, macarons, a citrus cake or a teatime for two.

Brew with water at 85°C, 3 g of leaves per 200 ml, and four minutes' infusion: hotter water would harden the green tea beneath the fruit. After opening, close the tin carefully and keep it away from light, heat and strong odours, so that the mandarin stays crisp to the last cup.