Yunnan Noir

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Yunnan is a region in China known for growing large-leaf tea. High mountains covered by mist, clean water and rich soil form ideal growing conditions and contribute to the unique flavor of Yunnan black tea. Our Yunnan Noir is a hand-rolled version of this famous variety, with tightly rolled leaves into a "black snail" shape. The aroma is sweet with hints of honey and fruit. To the palate it is red wine-like with notes of fruit and cocoa and reveals an intense depth of character with each beguiling sip.

Yunnan is the name of the Southern Chinese province bordering Vietnam. It had been a tea-producing region for close to two thousand years. Here grows China's oldest wild tea tree - about seventeen hundred years old. Yunnan's most senior cultivated tree is a relative youngster - a mere eight hundred years old. Yunnan also has the distinction of producing more black tea than any other part of China, although it's a relative newcomer to this variety. Black tea was first produced here in 1939, and is distinguished by its unique peppery taste.