Yunnan Fengqing Maofeng Red (Black) Tea

Yunnan 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 have 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 characterises Maofeng while in the case of Imperial Fengqing a technique has been used which makes the leaves more needle-like and less twisted.

While small, these differences mentioned so far still lead to a significant difference in the taste of the two teas. Therefore, we encourage 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 has a slight acidic taste due to oxidation, plus a good presence of tannins perceptible at the back of the tongue. Finally, in the aftertaste, this red tea will reveal its still herbaceous side (due to the young age of the leaves) with a refreshing touch.

Place 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: hints of cocoa, wood and rose, fruity hints of plum and sweet notes of caramel on the close. The liquor 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 brew, 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 and somewhat sour hint reminiscent of plum. With the third and subsequent infusions, rose appears immediately in the opening along with cocoa; the woody hint of bark and spicy notes are reinforced, recalling not only black pepper but also cloves, albeit very faintly. The finish is still fruity and sweet, with notes of baked plum. Astringency is minimal, almost imperceptible, and is mostly related to the woody notes we find with each infusion.

WESTERN

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 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 some 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 progressive increase in temperature during oxidation and, once the leaf reaches its typical brown colour, the residual internal moisture is removed. After a few days’ rest, the tea is ready for consumption.

How to prepare

We strongly recommend infusing Yunnan Fengqing Maofeng red tea in the traditional Chinese method (gong fu cha) to best enjoy these leaves. Following this preparation, 5.5 grams of leaves (about 4 teaspoons) can be used in a gaiwan of about 100 ml to make several infusions with different tastes. After a quick rinse of the leaves in water at 95°C, an initial infusion of 15 seconds can be made, after which, keeping the water at the same temperature, the time can be increased each time by 10 seconds compared to the previous infusion (15 – 25 – 35…).

This tea has a longevity of about 7 brewings.

For a classic preparation according to the Western style we recommend 2 grams of leaves (approx. 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 greater ease at the moment of tasting, and also the infusion times indicated above are intended to be purely indicative, so you can also adjust according to your personal taste.

It is recommended that Yunnan Fengqing Maofeng tea be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.