Description
This renowned tea is grown high in the mountains of Anhui province. Gua Pian literally translates as "melon seeds", which refers to the way the leaves are shaped. Lu An refers to this Grand Cru's source. It is one of the oldest and most famous teas in China : already known in the Cha Jing of Lu Yu under the Tang, only reserved for imperial court under the Qing.
The picking is particular as we only take the 2nd and 3rd leaf to avoid any bitterness (there are neither buds, nor stems which are carefully removed). The manufacture is very long, precise, meticulous and manual. Some operations are repeated up to 60 times on the same batch !
An exceptional silky and sweet cru, with a fresh, vegetal, fruity and hazelnut profile, which is gentle enough to suit all tastes.
Special qualities
- Origin:
- Anhui, China
- Tea colour:
- Green tea
Tasting notes
Feuille sèche
Appearance: evenly shaped, delicately rolled leaves
Colour: emerald
Notes: fresh, dried flower, cooked vegetable, toasted bread
Infusion
Notes: cooked and fresh vegetable (almost iodized), fruity (nuts)
Liqueur
Colour: green yellow
Texture: silky
Flavour: sweet and umami
Notes: sweet vegetal (steamed vegetables), fresh vegetal (stem), fruity (hazelnut, praline), floral, iodine
Suggestion of preparation
With the teapot or the tasting set: 4 minutes in water heated to 170°F.
With the Gong Fu Cha: infusions during 30-40 seconds.
Grands Crus: savour the exceptional
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.