The plum blossom, in Japan, is the one that dares to open under the last snowflakes: a symbol of hope and renewal, it announces spring before winter has even withdrawn. Each year, Mariage Frères dedicates a new vintage to its Ume tea collection. Ume Cha 2025 is this year’s edition: a green tea with the scent of plum blossom, presented in a tall bottle with a double lid containing a minimum of 80 g.

The bottle itself tells the story of the season. Brilliant white, it is adorned with a shower of golden snowflakes, while the box takes on a tender green, that of the first buds. A large plum blossom in intense red welcomes swallows, messengers of fine days. It is an object one is as happy to give as to keep.

In the cup, the floral notes are airy and the liquor is soft, marked by subtle floral and fruity accents, without heaviness. The green tea brings its vegetal freshness, the plum blossom its delicate perfume, and rose petals complete the blend. The full list of ingredients appears on the packaging and on this sheet; the blend may contain traces of nuts.

An afternoon tea, to be drunk plain, for a clear pause at the heart of winter. It goes with a mochi, a sesame biscuit, a slice of yuzu cake, or simply a February light that is lengthening. Lovers of Japanese teas scented with restraint will find in it a luminous and precise cup.

Allow 3 g of leaves per 200 ml of water at 95 °C and three minutes of infusion. Once the bottle is opened, keep it tightly closed, away from light and odours, to preserve its floral notes intact. Ume Cha 2025 is a vintage edition: it exists only for the length of one season.