Definition: Wen Shan (a.k.a. Wenshan) is a tea-producing region in northeast Taiwan. It is known for fantastic Bao Zhong (or 'Baozhong') oolong teas. Tea-producing sub-regions of Wen Shan include Muzha (which is now mainly an area for tea shops, tea houses and tea tourism) and Ping Lin.
Like Hsinchu, the terroir is unique in that it is lower elevation than most Taiwanese oolongs, but it still produces quality tea. It is most famous for its Bao Zhong Oolong and its Oriental Beauty Oolong.
Bao Zhong Oolong is a light oxidation oolong with a distinctive floral-tropical note. It tends to taste greener and lighter than Oriental Beauty. Some Bao Zhong Oolongs are dark roasted, but this is rare.
The rich, complex, peachy flavor of its Oriental Beauty is brought out by a combination of small insects that gnaw at the plant (thus distressing its leaves and altering the chemical balance of them for a unique flavor) and the artisans who produce the tea. It was created to compete with Darjeeling Second Flush tea, which also has a distinctive flavor that is impacted by insects. Due to a slightly higher elevation, Wen Shan's Oriental Beauty tends to be more honeyed and floral than Hsinchu's Oriental Beauty.
Like Hsinchu, the terroir is unique in that it is lower elevation than most Taiwanese oolongs, but it still produces quality tea. It is most famous for its Bao Zhong Oolong and its Oriental Beauty Oolong.
Bao Zhong Oolong is a light oxidation oolong with a distinctive floral-tropical note. It tends to taste greener and lighter than Oriental Beauty. Some Bao Zhong Oolongs are dark roasted, but this is rare.
The rich, complex, peachy flavor of its Oriental Beauty is brought out by a combination of small insects that gnaw at the plant (thus distressing its leaves and altering the chemical balance of them for a unique flavor) and the artisans who produce the tea. It was created to compete with Darjeeling Second Flush tea, which also has a distinctive flavor that is impacted by insects. Due to a slightly higher elevation, Wen Shan's Oriental Beauty tends to be more honeyed and floral than Hsinchu's Oriental Beauty.
Alternate Spellings: Wenshan
