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Red Leaf tea's new special flavor, the Sicilian Vespers, is a perfect delicacy. The essence of the delicate tea is the ability of the straight flavor of the leaf to remain clear and present on the palate, as you measure the brew for heat, spiciness, aftertaste and other factors. The floral taste of osmanthus and chrysanthemum are not overwhelming, but in the measured balance of this tea they stand out beautifully, and, need we add, delicately, against the cabernet wine infusion folded in for sweetness. This is an outstanding and delicious tea, perfect for afternoons or mornings!
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Steeping instructions:
Amount of water: 6 oz
Amount of Tea: 1 Flat teaspoon
Water Temperature: 180° F
Steeping Time: 4-8 minutes.
Note: Do not use boiling water for Green and White teas as they will burn and create bitter flavors.
A good way to guess water temperature without a thermometer is to bring the water to a boil, and wait about 30 seconds (for White tea) or 60 seconds (for Green tea) before pouring over the leaves.
One thing about this reviewing tea gig is that I sometimes feel as though I repeat myself over and over. I am not sure if anyone pays enough attention to my reviews to notice. This is one of those times, when it is appropriate to say that I've said it before and I'll say it again---I am very impressed with the white tea base that Red Leaf Tea uses in their flavored blends. This truly makes sampling any of their white teas a pleasure for me. This blend is no exception. Red Leaf Tea lists the ingredients in this blend as white tea, osmanthus flowers, royal chrysanthemum petals and Cabernet flavoring. I prepared my cup using water brought to steaming and infused for close to 3 min. The flavor profile of this blend is not unlike that of Pink Sonoma. In fact, when I first started drinking the cup I found myself wondering what the differences were. From what I gather the white tea used in Sicilian Vespers is more delicate than that of Pink Sonoma? I base this on Red Leaf Tea's descriptions. Other than that, the only other difference I could ascertain was that the accompanying flowers are different. Pink Sonoma has roses and jasmine whereas this has osmanthus and chrysanthemum. Since, I have already finished off the remainder of my sample of Pink Sonoma, I will have to go off of my memory to recall any other differences. Both blends have a grape/muscat taste to them from the cabernet wine. While it is a relatively full flavor profile, you can taste a smooth and delicious white tea base. The biggest difference that I notice between this blend and my recollection of that blend is that this one has a far more floral finish. Again, I will remind folks that this does not taste like wine flavored tea per se. If you purchase this thinking that you will likely be disappointed. Overall, this is another delicious offering in the wine category from Red Leaf Tea. Like Pink Sonoma, this offers a respectable white tea base, a delicious grapey flavor profile, some notes of white wine and a floral finish. I guess I would recommend picking your favorite floral combination in order to decide which blend should end up in your shopping cart. In which case, I would definitely give the edge to the Pink Sonoma. At $6.99 for 1.6 oz, this is a great value for a great cup.
Laura -Teaviews.com -Reviewer
I am finishing off the last I have of this tea – thanks again to TeaEqualsBliss for sending it out to me.
This tea has a lovely floral essence. It is beautifully delicate, it is like a light, spirited dance on the palate. The cabernet wine is prominent, and when combined with the light floral taste it is really quite delightful. Sweet – but not too sweet. Hints of currants.
As I finish the last of this – I am realizing just how much I am going to miss it. This is – quite possibly – the best “wine infused” tea I’ve tasted to date.
And because I am liking this so much tonight, I’m going to increase my numeric rating just a tad!
LiberTEAS - Reviewer - Steepster.com
I’m not sure why I am drinking a white tea this early in the day but I am and I will say this is a goodie!!!
I can taste the Cabernet type taste with floral and a little bit of fruit thrown in!
TeaEqualsBliss - Reviewer - Steepster.com
A very interesting floral white tea, that outside of the clear lack of alcohol in some way comes off as a bit more like a white wine than a white tea. A light more floral taste that blends in nicely with the wine flavor.
John Grebe- Reviewer - Steepster.com
Red Leaf Tea uses such a great tea base on all of their white tea blends. This has a delicious grapey flavor profile, some notes of white wine and a floral finish. I prefer the Pink Sonoma because I like the rose and jasmine as floral notes over the osmanthus and chrysanthemum floral notes. Very unique.
LauraR- Reviewer - Steepster.com
This tea took a little while to grow on me, but once it did – I really fell in love with it! The first couple of times I tasted it, I thought it was alright. But now, as I’m finishing the last of what I have of it, I am realizing just how good it really is!
Funny how that works out sometimes!
The flavor is crisp and sweet – but not too sweet. Some of that sweetness is cut with the slightly tannic nature of the cabernet wine, giving it a whisper of astringency.
But it’s the floral essence that really gives this tea blend its extraordinary flavor. It is a delicate floral taste - but it is just enough to provide an interesting contrast to the flavor of the wine and white tea.
The white tea base is soft and fresh. The lighter body of the white tea is just right for this blend, anything heavier would upset the very pleasing balance in this cup.
This tea is very good served hot, and even though it is rather delicate in flavor, it manages to retain its flavor nicely as it chills, making this an excellent iced tea as well.
This may very well be one of the best wine-infused teas that I’ve tasted thus far! If you’ve been curious to try a wine-infused tea, I suggest starting with this one!
Taster’s Review - Sororiteasisters.com
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