Ratnapura, “the city of gems”, is known for its precious stones as much as for its tea gardens, in the south-west of Ceylon. Mariage Frères draws from it this plain black tea, in OP grade, which our catalogue attributes to the Vithanakande garden, and which the house presents as the quintessential five o'clock tea.

OP grade, Orange Pekoe, denotes a whole leaf, long and well rolled: the classic leaf of Ceylon teas. Here, the house rightly highlights these long, elegant leaves, which give a delicate black tea. It is a plain tea, with no added flavouring or fragrance, and it is among the Jardins Premiers of Mariage Frères.

The liquor is amber and coppery, smooth. The aroma, which the house describes as exquisite, fine and gentle on the palate, is complemented by a frank roundness: the upright character of a Ceylon, but without harshness, with a soft, clean finish. A black tea simple in appearance, precise on the palate, whose consistency cup after cup is appreciated.

As a five o'clock tea, it is drunk in the afternoon, plain or with a splash of milk, alongside scones, sandwiches, a fruit cake or shortbread biscuits. Smooth, it also suits the whole day and the breakfast of those who prefer a gentle morning. Iced, with a twist of lemon, it makes a clear summer tea.

Ratnapura is sold loose leaf, weighed and packed to order in our shops in Bordeaux and Nice, from the 5 g sample to the kilo, in a bag designed to preserve its flavour, and in an iconic black airtight metal tin with a sealed lid, presented in its gift box. The brewing parameters specific to each format are listed on its product page. A plain tea quickly takes on neighbouring odours: keep it away from spices and coffee.