Fine silver needles, those downy buds that make the most precious white teas of China, combined with the caressing perfumes of precious citrus: Thé des Signes Year of the Dog is an imperial white tea, which Mariage Frères offers in an artisanal lime green pagoda-shaped tin, lacquered and screen-printed in France, containing 30 g.

Goji berries, the signature of the Thé des Signes collection, bring their fruity and slightly tart notes to this indulgent composition. The composition combines imperial white tea, goji berries and flavouring; the blend may contain traces of nuts. A lively, zesty cup, the house says, to adopt all year round.

In the cup, the liquor is clear, almost golden. The citrus opens, fresh and zesty, then the white tea brings its delicate, silky roundness, and the goji extends the finish with a fruity touch. A scented tea that keeps all the finesse of its base: the silver needles can be sensed beneath the citrus, and that is what gives it its value.

A daytime or afternoon tea, low in caffeine, drunk plain in a fine cup. It goes with fresh fruit, lemon biscuits, fresh cheese or a light meal. It is a gift for those born in the Year of the Dog, whose tin recalls the years 1910 to 2042, and it is enjoyed well beyond New Year.

Brew with water at 90 °C, 3 g of leaves for 200 ml, and infuse for four minutes: water that is too hot would harden the white tea. Once the tin is opened, close it carefully after each use and keep it away from light and strong odours. The pagoda keeps well once empty.