Welcome to the world of black teas, the most consumed tea family worldwide. Unlike green tea, black tea undergoes complete oxidation. This artisanal process transforms fresh leaves into a treasure trove of coppery, woody, and malty flavors, resulting in an intense brew and exceptional preservation.
At LUPICIA, we select the finest leaves for you from the most prestigious gardens, from the Himalayas to the volcanoes of Kenya, and including the hidden terroirs of Japan.
Wakocha (Wakoucha): Japanese Black Tea
Long overshadowed by the famous green tea, Japanese black tea, or Wakocha, is now experiencing a spectacular renaissance. "Wa" symbolizes Japan, and "Wakocha" means red tea (black tea). Unlike Indian teas, Wakocha is distinguished by its great smoothness, a very fine astringency, and naturally sweet notes reminiscent of flowers or ripe fruit.
Our exceptional teas from Japan:
- Kakegawa: Originating from Shizuoka Prefecture, this tea reflects the essence of Japanese terroir. Its liquor is smooth and balanced, ideal for those seeking a pure and delicate black tea, best enjoyed plain to fully appreciate its nuances.
> Discover Kakegawa Japanese black tea. - Kondowase: This tea, from a single cultivar, offers a rare sensory experience. It is characterized by aromatic freshness and an elegant mouthfeel that testify to the precision of Japanese processing.
> Discover Kondowase Japanese black tea. - Kunko Wakocha (Smoked Black Tea): For those who enjoy intense flavors, this smoked Japanese black tea is a marvel. Unlike classic smoked teas, which can sometimes be too powerful, Kunko Wakocha offers a subtle and refined smokiness, bringing a woody and mysterious dimension that pairs divinely with savory dishes or rich chocolates.
> Discover Kunko Wakocha Japanese black tea.
A Journey Through the World's Terroirs
India: Land of Contrasts
India is the cradle of legendary teas that LUPICIA selects with great care:
- Darjeeling: Nicknamed the "Champagne of Teas," this tea has Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. Grown at the foot of the Himalayas, it offers unique muscatel notes. The spring harvest (First Flush) is floral, while the summer harvest is fruitier and amber-hued.
- Assam: Originating in the Brahmaputra Valley, Assam tea is powerful, full-bodied, and malty. It is the essential base for a truly energizing "Breakfast Tea."
> Discover our Indian teas.
Sri Lanka: The Elegance of Ceylon
Renowned for their smoothness, Ceylon teas offer a magnificent coppery-red hue.
Africa and Kenya: The Power of Altitude
Kenya has made its mark thanks to its teas grown on the slopes of Mount Kenya. LUPICIA favors gardens like Kangaita, which work with the whole leaf, far removed from industrial standards, to offer a vibrant and full-bodied brew.
> Discover our African teas.
Understanding the Grades: SFTGFOP, BOP, CTC
The nomenclature used to differentiate black teas defines the fineness of the plucking:
- SFTGFOP (Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe): The highest grade, rich in golden buds (tips), guaranteeing maximum aromatic complexity.
- BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe): Broken leaves that quickly release a strong liquor, ideal for the morning.
- CTC (Cut, Tear, Curl) Method: A process where the leaf is rolled into small balls, perfect for a strong infusion, often used for preparing Chai.
Why choose LUPICIA black teas?
Choosing a LUPICIA black tea guarantees a tasting experience where the Japanese tradition of excellence meets the world's finest terroirs. Our company is committed to three fundamental pillars to ensure tea of impeccable quality:
- Preserved freshness, from the garden to your cup
Unlike traditional distribution channels, LUPICIA focuses on speed and the protection of aromas. Our buyers select batches directly from the plantations (Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon, Japan). Once harvested, the leaves are immediately vacuum-sealed and shipped. This process prevents the alteration of essential oils and offers you a black tea with an aromatic bouquet as vibrant as if it had just come from the factory.
- Safety and purity at the heart of our commitment
Our customers' trust is our priority. Each batch of tea undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee the absence of pesticide residues, in accordance with the strictest health standards. We apply the Japanese methodology—one of the most demanding in the world—so that every infusion is a moment of pure, healthy, and serene pleasure.
- The Art of Blending and Flavoring
The expertise of our blenders is the soul of LUPICIA. Creating a balanced Earl Grey or a fragrant black tea like White Peach Oolong requires the precision of a master craftsman. We use only high-quality black tea bases, selected for their structure, so that the natural aromas (flowers, fruits, spices) harmonize perfectly without ever masking the inherent quality of the leaf.
- Innovative Packaging
To protect your tea from air, light, and humidity, we offer our black teas in airtight tins with an iconic design or in optimized refill bags. Every detail, down to the shape of our pyramidal bags, is designed to allow the leaves (whole or broken) to fully unfold and release their full tannic power.
Essential Teas and the Art of Tasting
Earl Grey: Bergamot in All Its Forms
A true English classic, Earl Grey is a black tea flavored with bergamot. At LUPICIA, we respect this tradition while offering exclusive variations to enhance this Italian citrus fruit.
> Discover our Earl Grey teas with bergamot.
Chai Tea: Awakening Spices
Chai is a blend of black tea and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom). For a perfect Chai Latte, we recommend pairing it with cow's milk for creaminess, or oat milk for a velvety plant-based alternative.
Russian Teas: A Tradition of Character
- The "Russian Taste" is an institution in the world of tea. Historically linked to the caravans that transported tea from China to Russia, this style is defined by blends of black teas (often from China and India) combined with citrus fruits.
- The Samovar: Traditionally, the tea was brewed highly concentrated at the top of the samovar, then diluted with hot water.
- Aromatic Profile: Our Russian teas feature notes of bergamot, lemon, or orange, creating a perfect balance between the strength of black tea and zesty freshness.
> Discover our citrus teas.
Tea and Chocolate Pairings
Black tea and cocoa share a complex tannin profile. A malty Assam enhances a rich dark chocolate, while a summer Darjeeling highlights the fruity notes of a ganache. For a bold experience, pair our smoky Kunko Wakocha with praline chocolate.
