An exceptional tea grown at high altitude, Panyong Golden is harvested exclusively in April, at the precise moment when the first shoots emerge. This spring harvest, comparable to a first flush of Fujian tea, gives this variety a rare aromatic richness, the result of a youthful plant life that concentrates freshness, finesse, and energy.
The very essence of its name directly reflects Chinese craftsmanship. Panyong means “skillfully crafted tea,” a term that already reveals the care required in its production. This type of tea belongs to the “gongfu” (or “congou”) tea family, a word which, in Chinese, denotes work carried out with mastery, patience, and precision—the same term used for the tea ceremony.
And this is no coincidence: each Panyong leaf undergoes a rigorous process, including withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. This meticulous sequence distinguishes genuine Panyong teas from more ordinary black teas, which are produced with less care.
This expertise is coupled with a respectful approach to the tea leaf. While some Chinese black teas undergo excessive roasting, Panyong Golden favors a gentler method. Controlled fermentation and traditional charcoal drying preserve the natural delicacy of the young buds, allowing their aromatic compounds to develop without harshness.
Unlike many teas made from a blend of cultivars, Panyong Golden is considered a monocultivar. This meticulous craftsmanship, focused on a single plant material, reveals the full, original elegance of the young shoots. The resulting liquor, smooth and velvety, stands out distinctly from the more robust or woody profiles of Keemun and Yunnan teas.
While its roots are Chinese, its global renown owes much to Europe. From the mid-19th century, Panyong Golden conquered Western markets, a time when its exports reached record highs. At its peak, it was served at the British royal court and acclaimed by many European countries. This grand cru remains a benchmark in Europe today for its refinement, much more so than in China, where green teas traditionally hold pride of place.
Its terroir also contributes to its unique character. The proximity of the sea envelops the vineyards in salty mists, providing constant humidity, tempering excessive heat, and enriching the soil. This maritime climate, combined with the altitude, promotes slow ripening and exceptional aromatic concentration. In the cup, this harmony translates into a rare balance, a richness of flavor that defines the identity of Panyong Golden.
Legend, finally, adds its touch of mystery… The ancient pickers are said to have reserved the earliest spring harvests for the imperial palaces, a symbol of renewal and perfection. Thus, the reputation of Panyong is said to have been forged: a nectar of the elite, sometimes associated in popular tales with almost mystical harvests where nature and humankind unite their efforts to preserve the nobility of the vintage.
