Keemun, Qimen in modern transcription, is the black tea of Anhui province in eastern China, and one of the rare Chinese black teas of ceremony, a Gongfu tea prepared with the care reserved for Grands Crus. Mariage Frères offers this selection in grade FTGFOP1, which it calls Roi du Keemun, and greets with a sa majesté le thé.

The plantation, favoured by a kind nature, lies scattered across a misty mountain that enjoys abundant rainfall and mild temperatures. The very fine leaves, broad, with golden tips, point to a delicate harvest. This is a plain black tea, without flavouring; the full list of ingredients appears on the packaging and on this sheet.

The infusion is a brilliant red. The flavour is smooth and sweet, with the aroma recalling the fragrance of orchid, the signature of the great Keemun teas, and malty, woody notes extended by hints of cocoa and ripe fruit. The tannins are well rounded, the finish long and full. This is a black tea without any harshness, to be enjoyed for its finesse.

It is drunk plain, without milk, at any time of day, and withstands several infusions in a small teapot. It pairs with dark chocolate, dried fruit, a chestnut dessert, or is enjoyed alone, for its own sake.

Allow 2.5 g per 200 ml of water at 95°C and five minutes of infusion. Roi du Keemun is weighed and packed to order in our shops in Bordeaux and Nice, from the 5 g sample to the kilo, and keeps in an airtight container, away from light and odours.