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SHIMIZU KOSHUN URONCHA

WULONG TEA
WULONG
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING

Kakegawa, Shizuoka, Tuba, Honshu, Japan

Shimizu Koshun Uroncha is a Japanese wulong-style tea from Shimizu, crafted from the Koshun cultivar. This rare style combines Japanese tea cultivation with partial oxidation techniques more commonly associated with wulong production. The tea is valued for its clarity, smooth texture, and a refined aromatic profile with floral, fruity, and lightly sweet notes. MORE

AROMA
Honey, floral
TASTE
Fruity, pastry

CULTIVAR: Koshun
HARVEST: 2024
Close-up of Shimizu Koshun Uroncha dry leaves.
ABOUT
Shimizu Koshun Uroncha is a Japanese wulong-style tea produced in Kakegawa, within Japan. It is made from the Koshun cultivar, a Japanese variety known for its refined aromatic potential and naturally elegant profile. This tea represents a rare category within Japanese production, where traditional green tea expertise is adapted to partial oxidation techniques.

The production follows a modified wulong approach, including withering, controlled oxidation, and drying, adapted to suit Japanese leaf material and processing philosophy. The level of oxidation is carefully managed to preserve clarity while developing additional aromatic complexity. This results in a tea that combines freshness with a more layered and expressive character.

Shimizu Koshun Uroncha occupies a unique position within Japanese tea culture as an experimental and refined style. It is valued for its smooth texture, precision, and balanced aromatic expression. The tea reflects both the characteristics of the Koshun cultivar and the innovation of Japanese producers working beyond conventional categories.

TERROIR
Shimizu Koshun Uroncha is cultivated in the Kakegawa area of Shizuoka Prefecture, located in central Japan. This region lies at low to mid elevations and is influenced by a mild, humid climate shaped by proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Regular rainfall, morning fog, and moderate temperatures create stable conditions for steady leaf development.

The terrain consists of gently sloping hills with well-drained soils rich in minerals and organic matter. These soils provide a balanced nutrient base, supporting the growth of the Koshun cultivar while maintaining clarity and structural integrity in the leaves. The relatively moderate elevation contributes to a consistent growth cycle and uniform leaf quality. Microclimate plays a defining role, with diffused sunlight, frequent cloud cover, and consistent air movement regulating plant metabolism. These conditions support a balanced composition of amino acids and polyphenols, allowing both softness and light structure to develop. Compared to higher mountain regions, the leaves express a more direct and refined aromatic profile.

Another important aspect is the interaction between terroir and processing. The composition of leaves grown in Kakegawa allows for controlled partial oxidation, enabling the development of a wulong-style profile while preserving the precision typical of Japanese teas. This integration ensures that the final tea reflects both the regional environment of Shizuoka and the unique character of the Koshun cultivar.

ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf is slightly twisted and semi-open, showing a green to dark olive tone with a clean, refined appearance. The aroma of the dry leaves is elegant and expressive, with notes of white flowers, light fruit, and a gentle sweet nuance. In a preheated teapot, the leaves begin to open from the first infusion, releasing a bright aromatic profile where floral tones are supported by soft fruity notes and a subtle creamy undertone. As the infusion develops, the aroma becomes more integrated, combining delicate sweetness with a smooth, rounded depth.

The aroma of the liquor is clear and refined, with a harmonious combination of floral, lightly fruity, and gently sweet notes. The taste is smooth and balanced, with a light to medium body and a soft, slightly silky texture. A natural sweetness forms the core of the profile, supported by floral tones and a mild, well-integrated astringency that adds structure. The partial oxidation is reflected in the added depth without losing clarity. The aftertaste is clean and moderately long, with a returning sweetness and a fresh, elegant finish. In the empty cup after drinking, a delicate floral and slightly fruity aroma remains, leaving a refined and precise final impression.
Appreciating the aroma of dry Shimizu Koshun Uroncha tea.
Placing Shimizu Koshun Uroncha leaves into a teapot.
Pouring hot water over Shimizu Koshun Uroncha tea.
First infusion with clear light golden liquor.
Drinking Shimizu Koshun Uroncha tea.
Enjoying the floral and lightly fruity aroma of the infusion.
Fully opened Shimizu Koshun Uroncha tea leaves after brewing.

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