The creators of Saicho Sparkling Tea set out to develop an alcohol-free beverage that rivals wine in complexity and pairing capabilities, drawing inspiration from a drink with a rich historical background.
Rooted in agriculture with a longstanding heritage, this beverage embodies the union of terroir and craftsmanship, creating a drink suitable for celebrations. This year’s Spring Tasting by db typically features wines like Champagne and exquisite reds, yet it kicked off with a showcase of Saicho Sparkling Teas.
Judged entirely blind by industry experts, these teas garnered praise for their elegance and depth, demonstrating that tea can stand alongside traditional celebratory drinks without mimicking them, offering a sophisticated pairing for various foods.
A desire to celebrate
The motivation behind the creation of Saicho Sparkling Tea is nuanced. Founders Charlie and Natalie Winkworth-Smith conceived the idea after a dining experience at an upscale restaurant.
While Charlie enjoys wine, Natalie cannot drink alcohol, leading to a stark contrast in their experiences at the restaurant. Charlie relished selecting wine from an extensive list and engaging in conversations about vineyard terroir, while Natalie was left disappointed with the limited non-alcoholic options available, settling for water.
This experience highlighted the disparity in drinking culture, motivating them to seek a non-alcoholic beverage that embodies sophistication and celebration.
The ideal drink would not only taste exceptional but also carry a rich history and craftsmanship. Inspired by the complexity of beverages like Champagne, they envisioned a drink that could stand alone, free from the label of ‘alternative’ that often accompanies non-alcoholic options.
Inspiration from home comforts
Reflecting on their backgrounds, it’s clear why Charlie and Natalie were well-equipped for this endeavor. Their journey began during their PhDs in food science, where they honed a deep understanding of market needs and product development challenges.
Furthermore, their diverse heritages contributed to their perspectives on beverage pairing with meals. Charlie’s upbringing in the UK embedded wine as a celebratory staple, while Natalie, hailing from Hong Kong, grew up immersed in tea culture, rich in tradition and intricacy.
Natalie recognized that tea could embody a wide range of flavors—from floral and fruity to nutty and umami—based on its origin, cultivation, and seasonality. This realizations led them to the conclusion that tea would be the foundation for their sophisticated non-alcoholic offering.
After two years of experimentation, they developed a range of three teas: Jasmine, Darjeeling, and Hojicha. Each tea possesses unique attributes, and their extensive journey tasting hundreds of varieties helped Charlie and Natalie establish the core principles behind Saicho Sparkling Tea.
Provenance and process
Despite their distinct characteristics, the three teas share a common approach that highlights their individual complexities. The selection process emphasizes their unique identities, rendering the drinks truly remarkable.
All Saicho Sparkling Teas are single-origin, ensuring that each tea maintains the integrity of its estate—reflecting soil quality, seasonal rainfall, and cultivation techniques.
For example, Saicho’s Darjeeling is cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of India, where warm days and cool nights enhance its signature muscatel aroma. In contrast, the Jasmine tea originates from the high-altitude mountains of Fujian province in China, where the slower maturation enhances its delicate fragrances.
The uniqueness of each tea is safeguarded through a meticulous production process. Each batch is cold-brewed in spring water from Shropshire for 24 hours, allowing optimal flavor extraction. Unlike boiling water, cold-brewing preserves the intricacies of flavor, enhancing the tea’s delicate nature.
To add balance, a small amount of grape juice is incorporated for acidity and a hint of sweetness, much like the liqueur d’expedition enhances Champagne’s aromatic profile. This addition elevates the tasting experience.
Finally, the teas are gently carbonated, allowing their aromas to emerge vividly while creating a celebratory feel associated with sparkling drinks in Europe.
Pairing potential
Given their complexity and character, Saicho Sparkling Teas offer versatile pairing opportunities at the dining table. They not only fulfill the founders’ vision of a nuanced beverage but also provide numerous options for food pairings.
To demonstrate this, Saicho has collaborated with renowned chefs to explore potential pairings that enhance the drinking experience.
Executive Chef Joris Rousseau of Michelin-starred Feuille in Hong Kong pairs Saicho Hojicha with sea bass, nasturtium, and carrot, commenting on the harmonious blend of flavors.
In Dubai, Himanshu Saina, the chef at Tresind Studio—the only restaurant with three Michelin stars—creatively pairs Saicho Jasmine with pickled pepper and tangerine flower buttermilk curry ice cream.
“The smell of the tangerine flowers complements the jasmine’s floral notes perfectly, while the vanilla brings harmony to the dish,” he explains, noting the palate-cleansing properties of the buttermilk ice cream.
As for the newly introduced Saicho Osmanthus, chefs are showcasing its compatibility with desserts. Lisa Goodwin-Allen, chef patron at the Michelin-starred Northcote in Lancashire, pairs it with her blackcurrant, sour cream, licorice, and chocolate dessert. “With its light and fragrant profile, it complements the dessert’s fruitiness beautifully,” she says.
Patrick Schmitt MW sampled the Saicho Sparkling Teas at The Drinks Business Spring Tasting, sharing his impressions below.
Saicho Jasmine Sparkling Tea
This refreshing, fruity-floral sparkling tea is quickly gaining popularity. With layers of harmonious flavors ranging from ripe peach to white flowers and delicate wood smoke, it presents a creamy sensation from the bubbles, mid-palate sweetness, and a refreshing, dry finish, complemented by mild tannins.
Saicho Hojicha Sparkling Tea
Displaying a deep amber hue, this tea offers an intriguing nose with hints of stewed tea and roasted pumpkin. On the palate, it resembles the aroma, showcasing stewed leaves alongside tangerine and caramel notes, with a finely textured fizz and a hint of freshness balanced against mild sweetness.
Saicho Darjeeling Sparkling Tea
This sparkling tea shines with a pale gold appearance and a focus on pure tea-driven aromas. On the palate, distinct flavors of tea are accompanied by notes of peach and apricot, with a delicate sweetness harmonized by fine fizz and subtle tannins, culminating in a fresh and dry finish.
Saicho Osmanthus Sparkling Tea
This light lemon-yellow tea offers a delicate aroma of white tea complemented by notes of ripe peach and floral hints. Well-carbonated, it pairs light sweetness with refreshing acidity, creating a balanced experience that is both delicate and crisp.
Key Takeaways
- Saicho Sparkling Tea offers a sophisticated non-alcoholic option inspired by wine.
- The founders were motivated by the desire for a celebratory drink that balances flavor and story.
- All teas are single-origin, emphasizing the unique characteristics of their estates.
- The production process, including cold-brewing, enhances flavor complexity and delicacy.
- Saicho Sparkling Teas are versatile, providing excellent pairing opportunities with various dishes.
- Collaborations with top chefs highlight the gastronomic potential of the teas.
- The range includes Jasmine, Hojicha, Darjeeling, and Osmanthus flavors.
FAQ
What makes Saicho Sparkling Tea unique?
Saicho Sparkling Tea stands out for its complex flavors and single-origin sourcing, making it a sophisticated alternative to alcoholic beverages.
How is Saicho Sparkling Tea produced?
Each tea is cold-brewed in spring water for 24 hours to maximize flavor extraction while preserving its delicate characteristics.
Can Saicho Sparkling Tea be paired with food?
Yes, the teas are designed to complement a variety of dishes, as demonstrated by collaborations with renowned chefs.
What flavors are available in the Saicho Sparkling Tea range?
The current range includes Jasmine, Hojicha, Darjeeling, and Osmanthus flavors, each offering unique tasting notes.
In summary, Saicho Sparkling Tea presents an innovative non-alcoholic beverage that emphasizes tradition, craftsmanship, and versatility in food pairing. By prioritizing flavor and complexity, it serves as an excellent option for those seeking a celebratory drink without alcohol.
