Uji is the cradle of Japanese tea culture and is considered the best tencha terroir in Japan. The mountain village of Wazuka is the heart of green tea cultivation in Uji; its reputation as a mecca for fine tea was established over 800 years ago. With the Wazuka River flowing through the picturesque village, drenching the region in a hazy morning mist at sunrise, it regularly tops the list of Japan's most beautiful villages. The soil and mountain slopes enable very good drainage, allowing water to run off quickly and thus causing no stress or damage to the tea plants' roots. This results in supple, thin tea leaves. Due to the cold winter and high humidity, the leaves grow at a slow pace and remain soft and deep in flavour for a long time. High-quality, pesticide-free teas are extremely rare in this region due to high competitive pressures, and it takes years of experience to achieve the harmonious umami that is so coveted. While most matchas are comprised of a blend of different cultivars, this matcha exclusively contains the intensely green Okumidori cultivar.
Single Origin
This Gyokuro comes 100% from the above-mentioned tea field and tea farmer in Uji.
