Description
Ringtong “Autumnal” FTGFOP1 – The Darjeeling Tea Estate’s Autumn Flush
Ringtong “Autumnal” FTGFOP1 – dry tea leaves
click picture(s) to enlarge
As summer gives way to the cool embrace of autumn, the tea bushes in Ringtong Tea Garden undergo a transformation that reflects the change of seasons. At the same time, the summer picking’s pronounced muscatel notes give way to a softer overall taste pattern in the estate’s “Autumnal”. As a result, this is characterized by spicy, complex malty and roast notes. The “FTGFOP1” (“Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe”) is the highest quality grade of the tea garden’s autumn picking. In this way, the tea reflects the natural character of the advanced season. On the other hand, it superbly showcases the skill of the hands of those picking and processing these leaves.
Taste, Aroma and Visual Appearance
The dry leaves, with their color range from rusty red to the white of the unopened buds to deep brown, are a real feast for the eyes. In August, the amber-colored cup exudes a harmonious scent of sweet honey notes and a subtle earthiness. In the taste profile, this weaves with delicate floral undertones and hints of ripe fruit to create an aura of pleasant warmth. The tea invites the connoisseur to take a sensual journey through the festive diversity and beauty of the autumnal season.
Preparation
Begin by pouring 2-3g/100ml of Ringtong “Autumanl” FTGFOP1 into the teapot with boiling hot water (90°C-100°C). Depending on the desired flavor intensity, steep for 3-5 minutes for a full-bodied first infusion that represents the entire flavor spectrum of the tea. Then, pour it into a serving pot or directly into the tea cup. A subsequent infusion is still possible and maintains more than just the long-lasting aftertaste!
Ringtong – The Tea Garden
Amidst the scenic landscapes of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, lies the historic Ringtong Tea Garden. Founded as early as 1856, it is is one of the oldest tea plantations in the region. Ringtong is located between the renowned tea gardens of Margaret’s Hope and Balason in the northern Kurseong Valley. At this, the tea garden covers altitudes of 1000 to 1700 meters above sea level. The south-west facing slopes cover an area of 338 hectares.
Located just 16km from the capital of Darjeeling, Ringtong Tea Garden has a rich history. At this, the name “Ringtong” is an association with the “first morning bell”, which symbolizes the beginning of a new working day in the tea fields. After a fire destroyed the tea factory in 1996, the tea garden had to close. It was only in January 2014 that Ringtong Tea Company Pvt Ltd, led by Kavita and Sanjay Choudhry, revived the garden and resumed tea production. Since then, the new operators have been pursuing an approach of sustainable cultivation and tea production based on high quality specifications. This eventually resulted in the award of the renowned “Rainforest Alliance” certificate, which further underlines the tea garden’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Visitors to the Ringtong Tea Garden have the opportunity to explore the legacy of the historic plantation. You can learn more about cultivation techniques and experience the unique flavors of Ringtong teas. The guided tours also provide an insight into the art of tea processing required for true Artisan quality. In addition, the garden offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains and verdant valleys, making it a popular retreat for nature lovers. The video linked below gives a good impression of this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48pi0JZRUMs
Tea from India at Siam Tea Shop
The sustainable trend to more quality with tea on the western market increasingly bears sweet fruit in India, too. Year after year, the mayor tea estates in Darjeeling and Assam compete for each season’s best “First Flush“, “Second Flush” or “Autumnal”. However, not only quality comes from India at new levels today, but also completely new diversity of India’s tea portfolio. Black tea, for example, the classic of Indian teas, suddenly comes around in the most diverse appearances. The spectrum reaches from the modern, flowery first flush to full-bodied, dark roast second flushes to earthy and malty “autumnals”. One example for a characteristic Darjeeling second flush black tea at its best is our Ringtong Second Flush FTGFOP1.
Darjeeling Autumnals
The autumn flushes, also called “autumnals”, today ever more often are referred to as the “lost treasure of Darjeeling”. But, actually, why “lost”? Well, if it comes to tea from Darjeeling (or Assam, for that matter), it used to be all about first and second Flushes, i.e. the teas from the first and second spring harvest seasons. Later summer pickings, on the other hand – and even more the autumn flushes – used to wear a perceived labeling of low quality. Especially the “autumnals”, however, do not deserve this reputation in any way. Who doesn’t know this, hasn’t tried! And our Ringtong “Autumnal” FTGFOP1 has all it takes to convince any friend of black teas of the contrary!
At Siam Tea Shop, Darjeeling Autumnals have been a fix part of the portfolio ever since 2016. And this not just in the shop, but alos in our cup. Because the autumn flushes’ multi-facetted gentleness and comparably low caffeine content, the late season’s teas are a perfect treat for long autumn evenings. And, as incredible this might sound, are a reason to look forward to autumn!
For more information about tea from Darjeeling in general, read the pertinent article at Siam Tea Blog:
Tea from Darjeeling – Between Colonial Roots and a New Identity
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