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Grands Crus

Rare and ephemeral, teas identified as Grands Crus by Palais des Thés are the result of alchemy between a tea plant variety, its terroir and the talent of an artisan grower. Meticulously plucked, processed and sourced in the most respected tea gardens, our Grands Crus unveil unique flavours that reflect the refinement of their origins.
Savour the exceptional
Between tradition and innovation, each Grand Cru is at once rare, time-limited and hand-crafted.


Rare
Over the years, François-Xavier Delmas has developed an in-depth knowledge of tea gardens, giving him access to some of the most little-known plantations in the business. Thanks to the relationships he has cultivated with expert growers, the founder of Palais des Thés has access to rare, delicious batches, of which sometimes no more than a few kilograms are produced.


Time-limited
Grands Crus teas are only available during their optimal tasting period, which only lasts a few months. Tea leaves are only harvested once they are fully mature, so that they reveal their unique taste characteristics. Direct supplying from plantations means that our teas can be delivered quickly, when they are still highly fresh.


Hand-crafted
Thanks to the passion and stringent work that goes into creating a Grand Cru, each one has a unique personality. After the precise methods required for the harvest, processing the leaves requires unique knowledge: shrivelling, rolling, oxidation, fermentation, roasting, sorting and wrapping.
Production areas
From Asia to South America, including Africa, Europe (Georgia) and Oceania (Papua New Guinea), exceptional teas can be found on every continent.
Varying seasonal harvests
First flushes are the first harvests of the year, and are without a doubt the most eagerly awaited by tea lovers. In winter, young shoots from tea plants have had time to stock up on minerals and amino acids, and this concentration means that they can produce a highly rich, flavoured and complex tea.





Every year we offer our customers first flushes from four tea growing countries. In China, the harvest takes place in April across several regions. These are referred to as "new season green teas". In India, the most iconic first flush is from Darjeeling. Depending on the year, the harvest begins between the end of February and the third week of March. In Nepal, teas made from first flushes come from tea gardens in the Himalayas. Finally, in Japan, Ichibancha (or "first harvest") is the most highly-prized harvest for green teas.
Two other harvests take place in Darjeeling and Nepal : the second flush and third flush. These Grands Crus are renowned for their wide diversity and aromatic richness.
Two other harvests take place in Darjeeling and Nepal : the second flush and third flush. These Grands Crus are renowned for their wide diversity and aromatic richness.
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