Yiwu, there are several areas that are famous for producing high-quality Puerh tea. Here are some of the notable ones:
Mahei: Mahei is a renowned tea village situated in the Yiwu Mountain region, (one of my favourites!). It is highly regarded for its ancient tea trees, some of which are several hundred years old. The tea produced in Mahei has a distinct flavor profile characterized by a smooth, sweet taste and floral undertones. Mahei Puerh teas are prized for their high quality and aging potential. Particularly nice when fresh!
Guafengzhai: Guafengzhai is a tea area within the Yiwu Mountain region (One of my favourites!) that is famous for its high-altitude tea gardens. The tea trees in Guafengzhai thrive at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,100 meters, resulting in teas with unique characteristics. Guafengzhai Puerh teas are often appreciated for their strong and complex flavors, with hints of wildflowers, honey, and a pleasant bitterness. They age wonderfully kicking out a deep honey sweet aged taste!
Manzhuan: Manzhuan is another prominent tea area in Yiwu, located in the southwestern part of the region. The tea from Manzhuan is highly sought after for its unique aroma and smooth and overtly honey sweet taste. Manzhuan Puerh teas often exhibit a noticeable honey-like fragrance and a lingering aftertaste. Does particularly well resting in medium to humid regions that push the sweetness!
Mansa: Situated in the northeast of Yiwu, Mansa is recognized for its high-quality Puerh tea production. The teas from Mansa are known for their rich and full-bodied flavor profiles, often characterized by earthy notes, hints of dried fruit, and a smooth texture.
Youle: Youle is a tea area in Yiwu that has gained popularity among Puerh enthusiasts. The teas from Youle are prized for their mellow and sweet taste, along with a unique floral aroma. Youle Puerh teas are often described as elegant and refined, making them highly valued in the tea market.
Gedeng: Gedeng, located in the northwest of Yiwu, is known for producing Puerh teas with a distinct wild character. The teas from Gedeng exhibit a robust and earthy flavor profile, often with woody notes and a deep, lingering aftertaste. The tea trees in this area grow in a wilder environment, contributing to the unique qualities of Gedeng Puerh teas.
Wan Gong: Wan Gong tea originates from the Wan Gong village situated within the larger Yiwu Mountain area and is known for its tea gardens that are home to ancient tea trees.
Wan Gong Puerh tea is highly regarded as sought after for its unique flavor profile. The teas from this region often exhibit a smooth and mellow taste, with a notable sweetness and floral undertones. Some Wan Gong Puerh teas may have hints of honey, orchid, or other delicate floral notes. The flavor profile is often balanced and refined, making it a favorite among Puerh tea enthusiasts. Wan Gong is known for its ancient tea trees, which contribute to the exceptional quality of the tea. The age of the trees, combined with the terroir of the Wan Gong area, imparts a unique and sought-after quality to the tea.
Cha Wang Puerh tea, also known as “King of Tea” or “Emperor’s Tea,” is a highly esteemed and sought-after type of Puerh tea. “Cha Wang” translates to “Tea King” in Chinese, signifying its exceptional quality and status within the world of Puerh tea. Cha Wang Puerh tea is known for its complex and rich flavor profile. The taste can vary depending on the specific region and processing methods, but it often exhibits a smooth and velvety texture. Cha Wang Puerh teas may possess deep and earthy notes, hints of sweetness, floral undertones, and sometimes even fruity or honey-like aromas. The flavor profile can evolve and become more refined with aging.
One of the distinguishing features of Cha Wang Puerh tea is its remarkable aging potential. The tea is often prized for its ability to develop depth, complexity, and enhanced flavors over time. With proper storage and aging conditions, Cha Wang Puerh teas can mature and transform, offering a different taste experience as they age. Cha Wang is often produced in limited quantities, making it relatively rare and highly sought after. Due to the high demand and value of Cha Wang Puerh tea, it is essential to source it from reputable and trustworthy suppliers. Ensuring the authenticity of Cha Wang Puerh tea guarantees that you experience the true essence of this exceptional tea.
Cha Wang Puerh tea represents the epitome of Puerh tea craftsmanship and quality. With its premium taste, aging potential, and limited availability, it has become a symbol of excellence in the world of Puerh tea.
Gao Shan: We have many offerings from this region. One of the most prolific growing areas of Yiwu area. Sitting in the south eastern part of Yiwu Gao Shan Puerh teas are grown in areas characterized by mountainous terrain, often at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level. Gao Shan Puerh teas may exhibit a balanced and smooth taste, with notes of floral, fruity but Gushu cakes of this area will have a strong and unmistakable honey note.
Yibang: The tea gardens generally lay between 1200-1800m altitude and contain many ancient trees. One thing that categories this area in terms of material is the small leaf size due to this regions varietal. The taste of Yibang is a quite unmistakable floral note, once you’ve tasted it you will never forget it! The cakes taste great fresh and have a noticeable character when aged.
These are just a few examples of the famous tea areas in Yiwu. Each area has its own terroir, tea tree cultivars, and production techniques, resulting in Puerh teas with diverse flavors and characteristics. Exploring these areas by experiencing the unique teas they offer is a delightful journey we highly recommend you take!
Thanks for reading my blog!
Oli