Estate Guide: Uva Highlands – A Limited Harvest from the Heart of Malwatte Valley
The year 2024 has brought us a remarkable tea, shaped by the unique climatic conditions of Sri Lanka's Uva region. The Eastern estates of Uva and Uda Pussellawa have once again felt the full force of the seasonal "Cachan" winds, which have played a crucial role in crafting this year's exquisite tea. The drought and the drying winds from the Bay of Bengal create the perfect storm for producing tea with a distinctive flavor profile that connoisseurs worldwide eagerly anticipate.
The Magic of Uva: Where Flavor Peaks
The months of July and August are a special time in Uva. This brief period is when the region's teas reach their peak flavour, capturing the essence of the Uva terroir. It's during this narrow window that the leaves develop the unique wintergreen notes that have made Uva teas famous among international buyers.
This year, we're thrilled to bring you a tea from the heart of the Malwatte Valley, a name that translates to "Flower Garden Valley" in English. This valley is home to some of the most distinctive Uva teas, thanks to its unique location and climate. Traditionally, we've chosen teas from the lower-lying St. James estate for our seasonal Uva offerings. However, in response to your feedback and desire for more exceptional teas from this region, we've ventured further up the valley.
Uva Highlands: A Tea Estate Like No Other
Our journey led us to Uva Highlands, one of the most renowned tea estates in Sri Lanka. Perched at an elevation of 4,220 feet above sea level, near the town of Bandarawella, Uva Highlands is one of the first estates to feel the influence of the Cachan winds. Stripping the tea bushes of moisture and concentrating the flavors within the leaves. This natural drying process is critical to producing the exceptional taste that Uva teas are known for.
The tea produced here is a labor of love. As with all PMD Teas, the leaves are harvested by hand, with only the finest two leaves and a bud selected. The resident tea maker and his dedicated team then carefully craft the leaves into a tea that captures the essence of the Uva Highlands.
A Limited-Time Offering
It's important to note that this is a limited production tea, available only for a short time each year. Once the tea is harvested and processed, it’s gone until the next season. The combination of the estate's high elevation, the impact of the Cachan winds, and the short harvesting window means that this tea is truly a rare find. When you enjoy a cup of Uva Highlands tea, you're experiencing a fleeting moment of nature's artistry.
The Perfect Pairing
The larger Pekoe grade of tea from Uva Highlands offers a balanced flavor that sets it apart from the stronger, more astringent BOP grades. It doesn’t have the deep reddish hue of smaller grades, but what it offers is a nuanced, well-rounded taste. This tea is perfect for pairing with a charcuterie board or a strong-bodied cigar, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Embrace the Art of Seasonal Tea
Tea drinking is about more than just flavor—it's about experiencing the unique characteristics of a single estate, a single harvest, and a single moment in time. This seasonal single estate tea from Uva Highlands embodies that philosophy. Once this tea is gone, it’s gone for the year, making it a truly special addition to any tea lover’s collection. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor this exceptional tea before it disappears.
