A world first, according to Mariage Frères: an Earl Grey on Yunnan black tea. The Roi des Earl Grey combines a black tea from the high plateaus of this south-western province of China, renowned for its golden-tipped, round and malty teas, with the bergamot that is the house's signature, in a scenting the house describes as subtle.

The composition is simple: tea, aroma; the blend may contain traces of nuts. Dry, the dark leaves flecked with golden tips release the scent of bergamot, that citrus from Calabria both floral and zesty, but behind it you sense the tea, warm and round, which is not always the case with Earl Greys. The tea carries the Jardin Premier label in our catalogue.

The liquor is amber and round. The bergamot opens, zesty and bright, then the malty roundness of Yunnan settles in, with that bud-like smoothness that softens the citrus and gives it length; the tannins are supple, and the finish is warm and fragrant. Where many Earl Greys rely on a neutral tea, this one has a great tea beneath it.

It is drunk during the day, plain to appreciate its balance, or with a splash of milk in the English style, which brings out the malt. It goes with scones, a lemon cake and dark chocolate, and makes a classic, clean iced tea. Those who love Earl Grey will find here a richer, warmer version.

Allow 2.5 g per 200 ml of water at 95 °C and five minutes of infusion. The Roi des Earl Grey is weighed and packed to order in our shops in Bordeaux and Nice, from the 5 g sample to the kilo, in a pouch designed to preserve its aroma.