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GREEN SNOW SHAN

SHAN TUYẾT GREEN TEA
GREEN TEA
★ WILD TEA

Xà Phìn, Hà Giàng, Vietnam

GREEN SNOW SHAN is a Vietnamese mountain green tea produced from the leaves of ancient Shan Tuyết tea trees growing in the high mountains of Hà Giang Province. Harvested from naturally growing trees, it reflects the distinctive character of the Shan Tuyết variety, known for its thick, silver-covered buds and remarkable depth of flavour. The cup is fresh, vibrant, and complex, combining elegant floral aromas with a sweet, lingering finish and the distinctive character of ancient mountain tea trees. MORE

GOLD MEDAL at THE GOLDEN LEAF AWARDS
"Green Tea – Best Green Tea Worldwide" 2025

AROMA
Herbal, Floral

TASTE
Herbal

350-500 years old trees
ALTITUDE: 1300+ m
HARVEST: Spring, 2026

GREEN SNOW SHAN by AN SHIM TEA

ABOUT
GREEN SNOW SHAN is a traditional Vietnamese green tea produced from the leaves of ancient Shan Tuyết tea trees, primarily found in the northern mountainous regions of Hà Giang and neighboring areas. The name “Shan Tuyết” refers to the characteristic white down covering the young buds and leaves, a natural feature of these high-altitude tea trees. These trees often grow in semi-wild or wild conditions, forming part of long-established ecosystems maintained by local ethnic communities.

The production of this tea follows classical green tea processing methods, where freshly harvested leaves are pan-fired shortly after picking to halt oxidation and preserve their natural character. Within our project, this tea is produced at our own factory in the north of Vietnam, allowing full control over both the harvest and processing stages. Careful selection of raw material, combined with traditional hand-processing techniques and precise temperature management, ensures consistency and preservation of the leaf’s natural qualities.

GREEN SNOW SHAN occupies a unique position within Vietnamese tea culture, as it combines the identity of green tea with the raw material typically associated with mountain and ancient tree teas. It is valued not only for its sensory qualities but also for its origin, reflecting a direct connection to highland terroir, traditional agricultural practices, and a slower, more natural cycle of growth. In 2025, this tea was awarded a GOLD MEDAL at the Golden Leaf Awards in the category “Green Tea – Best Green Tea Worldwide,” confirming its quality at an international level.

TERROIR
GREEN SNOW SHAN is produced in the high mountain regions of northern Vietnam, particularly in areas such as Hà Giang, where ancient tea trees grow at elevations often exceeding 1,000 meters. These environments are characterized by steep terrain, forest ecosystems, and limited agricultural intervention, allowing the tea trees to develop slowly under natural conditions. The altitude, combined with cooler temperatures and strong diurnal variation, contributes to a gradual accumulation of amino acids and aromatic compounds, resulting in depth and clarity in the cup.

The soils in these regions are typically well-drained, mineral-rich, and relatively low in nutrients compared to intensively cultivated tea areas. This moderate nutrient stress limits excessive leaf growth and promotes concentration within the leaf structure, enhancing both flavor intensity and textural definition. The root systems of these older trees extend deeply into the ground, accessing a wide range of minerals that contribute to the tea’s subtle mineral character and structural complexity.

Microclimate plays a defining role. Frequent fog, high humidity, and diffused sunlight reduce the intensity of direct solar radiation, helping preserve higher levels of L-theanine while moderating the accumulation of catechins. This balance is reflected in the cup as a combination of soft sweetness, controlled astringency, and a stable, layered profile. Seasonal shifts, particularly in early spring, further slow leaf development, reinforcing the clarity and refinement associated with high-altitude material.

Harvesting is often carried out manually by local communities with deep knowledge of the terrain, selecting only suitable leaves within a narrow seasonal window. This raw material is then processed at our factory in the north of Vietnam, where traditional methods are applied with precise control. The integration of high-altitude terroir and careful processing ensures that the final tea expresses both the character of its origin and a consistent, high production standard.

ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appears relatively large and robust, with slightly twisted shapes and a deep green tone accented by visible silvery down characteristic of Shan Tuyết material. The aroma of the dry leaves is expressive and layered, with notes of fresh herbs, mountain greenery, and a subtle mineral-cool nuance. In a preheated gaiwan, the tea opens steadily, revealing a warmer and more complex aromatic profile, where vegetal freshness is complemented by light creamy and faint resinous tones. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma becomes deeper and more integrated, combining fresh greenery with gentle sweetness and a refined, slightly cooling character.

The aroma of the liquor is clean and airy, with a delicate sweetness and soft vegetal-mineral tones. The taste is structured and smooth, with a medium to full body and a rounded yet clearly defined texture. Fresh vegetal notes form the core of the profile, gradually developing into a mild sweetness with a subtle mineral depth and a light, controlled astringency that adds clarity. A gentle cooling sensation appears on the palate, enhancing the overall freshness. The aftertaste is long and clean, with a returning sweetness and a persistent, slightly mineral impression. In the empty cup after drinking, a soft, sweet aroma remains, combining vegetal, creamy, and faintly resinous nuances, leaving a calm and grounded final impression.
Close-up of Lục Trà Shan Tuyết dry leaves, large twisted leaves with silvery buds.
Placing Lục Trà Shan Tuyết leaves into a preheated gaiwan.
Pouring hot water over Lục Trà Shan Tuyết green tea.
First infusion with clear pale green to golden liquor.
Enjoying the fresh vegetal and mineral aroma of the infusion.
Fully opened Lục Trà Shan Tuyết tea leaves after brewing.
"GREEN SNOW SHAN holds a very special place in our green tea collection because of its distinctive character, exceptional purity, and the wild mountain environment where it is produced. I fell in love with this tea the very first time I tasted it. Its subtle smoky and resinous notes create an unmistakable profile unlike any other green tea in our collection.

I often call it a true mountain tea because this is the style of tea traditionally enjoyed by people living in the highlands of northern Vietnam. Honest, expressive, and deeply connected to its place of origin, it offers an experience that stands apart from more refined or delicate green teas. For those who appreciate teas with a strong sense of identity and terroir, GREEN SNOW SHAN deserves a place in any serious tea collection."

— Andrei Ivanovs, Founder of AN SHIM TEA
GREEN TEA
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