ABOUT
Mật Ong Hồng Trà is a rare Vietnamese red tea produced in Hà Giàng from Shan Tuyết tea leaves harvested from ancient tea trees growing in remote mountain areas. The production of this tea is led by our beloved master, a Taiwanese tea master who has adapted his personal techniques, rooted in Taiwanese tea craftsmanship, to the unique characteristics of local material. This approach allows for a refined balance between tradition and innovation, bringing out the full potential of Shan Tuyết leaves.
The raw material comes from old tea trees growing in hard-to-access locations, where harvesting requires significant effort due to the distance and natural conditions. As a result, the yield is extremely limited, and production is carried out in very small quantities. This rarity is a defining aspect of the tea, reflecting both the uniqueness of the source and the difficulty of obtaining the material.
Processing follows a carefully controlled red tea method, with adjustments made to suit the structure and composition of the Shan Tuyết leaves. Special attention is given to oxidation and drying in order to preserve the natural sweetness and complexity of the tea. The result is a tea that expresses both the character of ancient Vietnamese tea trees and the refined influence of Taiwanese tea-making expertise, offering a distinctive and highly limited production appreciated by experienced tea lovers.
TERROIR
Mật Ong Hồng Trà is sourced from the mountainous area of Hoàng Su Phì in Hà Giàng, Vietnam. This region is characterized by a high-altitude environment with elevations often exceeding 1200 meters, a cool mountain climate, frequent mist, and significant day and night temperature variation. These conditions support slow and balanced leaf development, allowing the tea trees to accumulate a high concentration of aromatic and structural compounds.
The tea trees grow in a semi-wild or wild state, often on steep slopes and within forest ecosystems, where they are exposed to minimal agricultural intervention. The soils are mineral-rich and well-drained, supporting deep root systems that contribute to the complexity and stability of the raw material. The Shan Tuyết tea variety, native to this region, expresses itself fully in these conditions, producing thick, resilient leaves with a distinctive aromatic profile.
The combination of altitude, climate, and ancient tree material defines a terroir that emphasizes depth, clarity, and a natural sweetness. The remote and pristine environment contributes to a clean and concentrated expression, allowing the tea to develop a stable and layered profile across multiple infusions.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is bold and natural, with large twisted leaves in dark brown tones and occasional silvery buds characteristic of Shan Tuyết material. The aroma of the dry leaves is expressive and complex, showing notes of wild honey, dried fruit, and a subtle resinous nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes deeper and more layered, revealing rich honeyed sweetness, ripe fruit, and a gentle floral tone. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and structure, combining pronounced honey notes with soft woody undertones and a refined, slightly herbal depth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is dense and persistent, with clear honeyed sweetness and a warm fruity trace. The taste is full and well-structured, with a smooth, slightly viscous texture and a balanced, rounded profile. From the first sips, a natural honey sweetness emerges, supported by layered fruit notes and a subtle mineral nuance, with very low astringency. The profile remains stable and complex across multiple infusions, offering both depth and clarity. The aftertaste is long and warming, leaving a lingering sweetness with a soft cooling sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, rich notes of honey, dried fruit, and a delicate floral sweetness remain.