New Zealand: an unspoiled landscape meets centuries-old know-how

Many people’s image of New Zealand is of heavenly beaches, sumptuous glaciers, bewitching primeval forests and expanses of green countryside as far as the eye can see …

But ever since an enlightened tea connoisseur decided to plant tea trees there a few decades ago, after noting that many species of Camellia grew particularly well on the islands, the country is now on its way to becoming well-known for tea production.

A terroir, a producer and some outstanding organic teas

It was in the fascinating landscape of the Waikato region on the North Island where many varieties of Camellias flourish naturally in the wild that our New Zealand partner set out to grow Camellia Sinensis. He began his experiment in 1996 with a selection of 130 plants.

These were brought from different regions of Asia and were able to benefit from ideal growing conditions. The region where the teas are grown near the Pacific Ocean, with hot, humid summers and mild winters, enjoys 1200 to 1600 mm of rainfall each year and plenty of sunshine.

Over the course of a few decades, and by using traditional Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturing techniques, our New Zealand partner has developed a range of high-quality teas, including a fabulous wu long that is more than a match for any produced in either of these historic countries.

Wu longs that are full of flavour thanks to an exceptional terroir and manufacturing methods

The semi-oxidised teas in this tea garden come from the Taiwanese cultivar Qing Xin used to produce high-end teas. Their flavours unfold in a clearly discernible successive sequence which evolves throughout the tasting and the numerous infusions that are possible with such teas. Made patiently and to exacting standards, they will delight any wu long connoisseur looking for a tea that is as complex as it is thrilling.

Dragon Soul Wu Long Like the noble spirit of the Maoris, this wu long will surprise you in more ways than one. Its generous pearls produce a truly delicious infusion with notes of pink grapefruit, wild flowers, warm stone, vanilla, pistachio and ripe plum … A unique cornucopia of flavours to delight the tastebuds …

Oceanic Wu Long Its leaves rolled into pearls are “slow cooked” during processing and produce a dense, rich and very fruity brew. The variety of flavours is impressive: yellow fruits (apricot), Corinthian grapes, toast crusts and nuts (hazelnuts) … An absolutely delicious wu long!

Charming Wu Long The briefly roasted leaves produce a remarkably intense brew whose flavours linger on the palate. With notes of wild flower honey, brown sugar, stewed fruits and toasted thyme cookies: each sip is a veritable festival of flavours.

Venerable Wu Long This wu long is unusual in having been aged for at least five years in a clay pot. The long maturation gives this tea unique signature flavours. The tasting begins with a beautiful woody attack which makes a marked impression on the palate, followed by particularly flavoursome fruity notes evoking figs, grapes and caramelised toasted hazelnuts. This grand cru floods the tastebuds with an intense, almost intoxicating pleasure, leaving a lasting memory in the mouth.

Delicious black teas with intense flavours

Grown in soil with a unique minerality and in a region with a particularly favourable climate, these grand cru black teas are full of exceptional flavours.

Black Evidence Delicious and intense are the first words that come to mind when tasting this characterful black tea. Its finely twisted leaves and buds produce a brew that coats the tastebuds with flavours of chocolate biscuit accompanied by subtle notes of red fruits …

Waikato Melody The very smooth and full-bodied infusion delivers intense fruity flavours evoking yellow fruits stewed with brown sugar, highlighted by tangy and effervescent notes.

A limited edition green tea

Waikato Pleasure

The clear, full-bodied and complex infusion of this beautiful green tea evolves over the course of the tasting between vegetal, iodine, fruity (citrus) and sweet (confectionery) notes.