Saicho Sparkling Tea - Hojicha (with gift box) (750ml) 0% Abv

Country/Region: Bottled in UK

Background: Charlie and Natalie (husband and wife), received their PhDs in Food Science and have always had a passion for food and drink. Unfortunately, Natalie can’t drink alcohol (she turns as red as a tomato with even the smallest sip) and as such, she hasn’t been able to fully enjoy the food and wine pairings that Charlie so loves.

Charlie and Natalie got an idea to create a non-alcoholic drink with ingredients that possessed the same sort of complexity and heritage that wine does. Then, they enthusiastically threw themselves into the pain staking, 2-year process of sampling and experimentation. Having tested hundreds of different varieties from around the world they eventually settled on their first 3 teas.

Winemaking: Sparkling Tea (Non-Alcoholic), Cold-brewed for twenty-four hours to extract the most delicate and complex flavours from the tea leaves, Saicho teas are then finely balanced with a hint of sweetness and a dash of acidity.

Tasting note: Originating in Kyoto in the 1920s as a way of utilising leftover leaves, stems, stalks and twigs, Hojicha is a roasted green tea from Japan. The tea has a deep umami character and notes of nori seaweed, roasted hazelnut and delicate smoke, with dry and woody tannins.

Food Pairing: Served chilled to between six and eight degrees, this makes well with sushi or mushroom risotto.