In China, many teas have long legends and ties back to great Emperors or specific Dynasties. Over the years, certain teas have received great acclaim and reverence. A list was created of the teas commonly considered China’s Most Famous teas. But what qualifies a tea to be on this list?
It’s not only the style that is needed to be considered a Chinese Famous Tea, but also the correct and most historic terroir. Many of China's famous teas are in the green and yellow categories. These are teas that have rigorous standards and specifications set around terroir, varietal and craft, not by connoisseurs of this generation, but of generations before us. These teas are the legacy from a time where finer things in life are appreciated and demanded. Each of these historically famous teas represent the pinnacle of a tea style that have many tawdry replicas nowadays. An authentic cup of historically famous tea is a timeless treat.
Tea Drunk specializes in this caliber of historically famous teas. Our unparalleled expertise allows us to commission and source teas that adhere to the rigorous standards set by a long heritage. It is our mission to bring the finest teas of China to the world. We have many of these famous teas in our Tea Drunk selection for you to experience:
What is Terroir?
We talk a lot about locational significance in addition to historical significance. Terroir is part of what makes the location so important. It is a combination of soil and climate in a location. Tea is a product of its location. Since no two places are the same, authentic tea must be grown in the region historically known for producing the specific variety of tea.
There is a difference between a Historically Famous Tea and a Historic Tea
Many of China's red teas fall in the category of a historic tea, as well as the popular Pu Er teas nowadays. Long story short, historic teas are teas that in the past were mass produced primarily for exportation and trades. They were not deemed sophisticated enough for the domestic market back in the days. However, time now grants these teas merits such as very old tea trees, interesting history and traditions. These teas have larger geographic size for its authentic terroir, absence of requirements of varietals and much rougher processing methods. We are the generation that will refine and standardize specifications for these teas.
We hope this explanation helps you on your journey to understanding the complexities of Chinese tea culture and the significance our history plays in tea.