Sencha Chuichi 50g

• Style: Asamushi – light steaming
• Stimulation: higher
• Cultivar: Yabukita
• Region: Shirakawa, Gifu
• Altitude: 450–500 meters
• Plantation: Yamanakacha

Chuichi is a sencha from the middle section of the Yamanakacha plantation (approx. 400 m above sea level). This plantation has a unique microclimate: a long, narrow valley with a river running through it that provides constant humidity, surrounded by dense forests that give natural shade. The soil is very stony, which ensures the excellent drainage tea plants need. Sencha Chuichi grows on stone terraces – former rice paddies built by local villagers in the Edo period, roughly 250 years ago.

A pleasing, sweet sencha processed at the small local factory by Mr Masashi. In his words, which I can only endorse: “Everyone will love this tea.”

Nengancha 念願茶 is the name of the plantation located in the village of Higashishirakawa (“Eastern White River”) in Gifu Prefecture. At an altitude of 450–500 meters, surrounded by dense forests and facing south, the plantation benefits from a unique microclimate ideal for tea cultivation. High annual rainfall (approx. 2,500 mm), frequent mists and significant temperature differences between day and night create perfect conditions for producing high-quality sencha. The conditions are excellent but harsh – there is rarely a year without losses caused by the cold.