A pink cup. This is the first thing you notice with Paris Rhapsody, a rosé white tea from Mariage Frères with aromas of citrus and red fruits, offered here in a case of 30 traditional round cotton muslin sachets, 75 g in total, in a black case with white polka dots that the house compares to a haute couture gown.

The base is a white tea, a Pai Mu Tan according to our catalogue: young leaves and buds simply withered and dried. The colour comes from beetroot, which appears in the declared composition with the white tea and flavourings; the blend may contain traces of nuts. It is listed in the catalogue under the Jardin Premier label. The caffeine content is low.

The aroma is luminous: the citrus opens, zesty and fresh, then the red fruits take over, soft and slightly tart. The rosy infusion has bright, sparkling notes, which the house likens to the City of Light. The white tea beneath gives a clear, velvety liquor, with subtle tannins, and a very gentle finish.

It is an afternoon tea, to be drunk plain, without sugar, in a glass cup to enjoy the colour. It accompanies a red fruit dessert, a lemon tart, or macarons, and served iced it makes a pink drink that delights guests.

Allow 1 sachet per 200 ml of water at 85 °C and a steeping time of seven minutes: the moderate temperature respects the white tea, and the longer time lets it release its flavour. Keep the case closed, away from light, which would dull the colour, and from strong odours.