TheYunnan Fengqing Maofeng is a red tea produced in the Fengqing area of Yunnan that bears many similarities to another product in our catalog called Imperial Yunnan Fengqing. Both of these teas possess very small leaves harvested in early spring but this one in particular has fewer buds. Another somewhat less obvious feature that differentiates these two products is how their leaves have been folded. In this case we have a twisting of the leaves similar to that which characterizes precisely Maofeng while in the case of Imperial Fengqing a technique has been used that makes the leaves more needle-like and less twisted.
Although small, these differences mentioned so far still lead to a significant difference in the taste of the two teas. For this reason, we urge you, if possible, to purchase both products: you will then have the opportunity to experience through your own taste the effects of these differences.
In this case, the infusion possesses a slight acid taste due to oxidation with in addition a good presence of tannins perceptible at the back of the tongue. In the aftertaste, finally, this red tea will reveal its still definable herbaceous part (due to the young age of the leaves) with, in addition, a refreshing touch.
Location of Origin
Fengqing - Yunnan, China
Tasting - Sight and Smell
Yunnan Fengqing Maofeng Red Tea has small to medium-sized, long and rather thin whole leaves with a rolled shape. Beautiful golden buds can be seen, while the leaves are deep brown with purplish highlights. Once infused, the wet leaves reveal a remarkable aromatic richness on the nose: notes of cocoa, wood and rose, fruity hints of plum and sweet notes of caramel at the close. The liqueur in the cup is a dark, deep amber orange, very bright.
Tasting Notes
GONG FU CHA
The first infusion of Yunnan Fengqing Maofeng red tea reveals notes of bitter cocoa and wood in the opening. Sweet hints of molasses and light caramel then emerge, followed by a spicy note of black pepper and a slightly floral finish. The second infusion, in addition to cocoa, brings out malty and sweet notes of dark honey and brown sugar, followed by a hint of rose and a fruity, somewhat tart hint reminiscent of plum. With the third and subsequent brews, the rose appears immediately in the opening along with cocoa; the woody hint of bark and spicy notes are strengthened, recalling not only black pepper but also cloves, albeit very faintly. The finish is still fruity and sweet, with notes of cooked plum. Astringency is minimal, almost imperceptible, and mostly ties in with the woody notes we find with each infusion.
TO THE WEST
Yunnan Fengqing Maofeng Red Tea opens with sweet-sour fruity notes of plum and spicy hints of black pepper and clove. Hints of fragrant wood and malty notes, floral notes reminiscent of roses and a definite hint of cocoa then emerge in sequence. The finish is bittersweet, with hints of chestnut honey. The persistence is fruity and vaguely woody, with a very slight astringency. It is a complex and well-balanced tea, whose rather light body and soft palate leads one to easily drink one cup after another.
Production
After harvesting, the leaves of Yunnan Fengqing Maofeng are left to wither in the sun for a certain amount of time depending on the producer before moving on to the folding stage. The leaves are then folded and rolled so that the juices inside are stirred and the oxidation process can begin. For this tea, the leaves are exposed to a gradual increase in temperature during oxidation, and once the leaf reaches its typical brown color, the remaining internal moisture is removed. After a few days of resting, the tea is ready to be consumed.
Preparation
We strongly recommend infusing red tea Yunnan Fengqing Maofeng in the traditional Chinese method (gong fu cha) to enjoy these leaves at their best. Following this preparation, 5.5 grams of leaves (about 4 teaspoons) can be used in a gaiwan of about 100 ml to obtain multiple infusions with different tastes. After a quick rinse of the leaves in water at 95°C, a first infusion of 15 seconds can be made, and after that, keeping the water at the same temperature, the time can be increased each time by 10 seconds from the previous infusion (15 - 25 - 35...)
This tea has a longevity of about 7 infusions.
For a classic preparation according to the Western style we recommend 2 grams of leaves (about 1 teaspoon) in a 150 ml cup with water at 95°C for an infusion time of one and a half minutes.
The tea can be filtered for ease when tasting and also the infusion times given above here are meant to be purely indicative so you can also adjust according to your personal taste.
We recommend storing the tea Yunnan Fengqing Maofeng in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
The tea should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
