The uniqueness of Georgian, including Imeretian tea, is conditioned by its location. Compared to the widely recognized tea-producing countries, Georgia is located in the extreme north, which means, there are no other tea-producing countries above us. And within the country, Zemo Imereti is the northernmost region where tea plantations are located. You might think: „Okay, it’s clear that our tea estates are located in the furthest north, and then what? What does this information give to us? What does our location indicate?”
The climatic conditions in Zemo Imereti are different. The amount of sunny days, average temperature, subtropical climate, and precipitation, result in the high quality of tea. Winters here are much longer, and the temperature drops below zero throughout the winter, which destroys all the pests. Natural conditions make it possible to avoid using pesticides in the plantations, which provides a good opportunity for growing organic tea.
Due to the lack of sunny days, tea from this region has lower tannin levels, than in southern countries. The lack of tannins causes the tea to have a smooth and soft taste. Due to its delicate flavor Georgian tea is enjoyed by many people and is favoured over high-tannin tea, which has a bitter taste.
Changes in temperature naturally produce aromatic substances in the shoots of the plant, which leads to the production of a unique aromatic complex characteristic only for Georgian tea.
Georgian tea, with its unique qualities, flavor, and aromatic characteristics, holds a deserved place on the map of tea-producing countries.