To mark the 770 years since the birth of Marco Polo and the 170 years of Mariage Frères, the house wished to pay tribute to the explorer who gives his name to its most emblematic tea. Marco Polo Rhapsody was born from this: a rosé white tea with a fruity and floral aroma, offered here in a box of 30 traditional round cotton muslin tea sachets, 75 g in total, in a white-dotted case decorated with a blue and white flower highlighted in gold.

The base is a white tea, a Pai Mu Tan according to our catalogue, that is, buds and young leaves simply withered and dried. The rosy colour of the infusion comes from beetroot, which appears in the list of ingredients alongside white tea and flavourings; the blend may contain traces of tree nuts. It is listed in the catalogue under the Jardin Premier label. Its caffeine content is low.

The soft pink infusion, which sets the white teas of this collection apart, offers velvety aromas. The fragrance recalls that of the black Marco Polo, ripe fruit and flowers, but on a lighter, silkier base with discreet tannins: the liquor is clear, velvety and very smooth, and the floral finish lingers.

This is an afternoon tea, to be drunk plain, without sugar, in a glass or white porcelain cup so that the colour can be seen. It goes with a red fruit dessert, macarons or a lychee pastry, and iced it makes a highly fragrant pink drink.

Use 1 muslin tea sachet per 200 ml of water at 85 °C and steep for seven minutes: the moderate temperature protects the white tea, and the long steep gives it time to release its flavour. The box should be kept closed, away from light and strong odours.