Niebla de Lyrica
| Type | Tea |
|---|---|
| Subtype | Black, green, oolong |
| Country of origin |
 Nouvelle Alexandrie(North Lyrica) |
| Introduced | 1702 AN |
| Manufacturer | Various estates |
| Color | Amber to deep copper (black); pale gold (green); golden-amber (oolong) |
| Flavor | Floral, smooth, delicate malt, honey notes |
| Ingredients | Camellia lyricana tea leaves |
| Variants |
|
| Serving temperature | 75-95 degrees (varies by type) |
| Standard drinkware | Porcelain cup, glass teacup |
Niebla de Lyrica (Alexandrian: Brume de Lyrique; Martino: Niebla de Lyrica) is a category of teas cultivated in the highland districts of North Lyrica. The name, meaning "Fog of Lyrica" in Martino, refers to the persistent mists that blanket the Montagnes Vertes range where the tea estates are concentrated. Commercial production began in 1702 AN when settlers who had participated in the pacification of Lyrica established the first plantations in the Clergues highlands. Among the founding planters was Augustus Strong, a veteran officer who received land grants in the region and whose family continues to operate the Domaine Forté estate.
Cultivation
Tea cultivation in North Lyrica occurs between 400 and 900 metres elevation in the states of Clergues, Belgeux, and Gennesart. The region's climate produces morning fogs that persist until midday for approximately 220 days per year, shading young leaves from direct sunlight and slowing their growth. This extended maturation concentrates amino acids in the leaves, producing the smooth, low-astringency character associated with the appellation.
The dominant cultivar, Camellia lyricana, was developed from stock introduced by the founding planters in the early 1700s AN and has adapted to the cooler Lyrican climate. Harvest occurs three times annually: the spring flush in Floraris (IV), summer flush in Estivis (VIII), and autumn flush in Autumus (XIII). Spring leaves command the highest prices.
Processing
Niebla de Lyrica is produced in three styles distinguished by oxidation level:
- Brume Noire (black tea) undergoes full oxidation over 18 to 24 hours, yielding a deep copper liquor with malt and dried fruit notes;
- Brume Verte (green tea) is pan-fired immediately after withering to halt oxidation, preserving vegetal and floral characteristics;
- Brume Dorée (oolong) receives partial oxidation of 30 to 50 percent, producing a golden-amber infusion with honey and stone fruit notes.
Approximately 65 percent of production is black tea, 25 percent oolong, and 10 percent green.
Preparation
Niebla de Lyrica is traditionally served plain, steeped for three to five minutes depending on variety. However, a minority of Constancian settlers who arrived in Lyrica during the 1690s AN brought with them the tradition of Milk Tea, a chilled preparation originating from the confectionery Shay's in Aqaba. This influence persists in coastal towns of South Lyrica, where Brume Noire is sometimes served cold with milk and occasionally topped with cream or fruit, a style locally known as Brume Glacée. Purists in the highland estates of North Lyrica regard this as an affront to the tea's delicate character, though the chilled preparation has gained popularity among younger consumers throughout the federation.
Producers
As of 1749 AN, 28 registered estates cultivated approximately 4,200 hectares of tea in North Lyrica, producing 3.8 million kilograms annually.
| Estate | Location | Founded | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domaine de la Brume | Clergues | 1704 AN | Brume Noire, volume production |
| Jardins du Nuage | Belgeux | 1708 AN | Brume Dorée oolong |
| Domaine Forté | Clergues | 1702 AN | Premium Brume Noire, limited production |
| Maison Thibault | Gennesart | 1711 AN | Brume Verte, organic cultivation |
Domaine de la Brume and Jardins du Nuage account for the largest share of production by volume. Domaine Forté, established by Augustus Strong and still operated by the Strong family, produces smaller quantities but its spring flush Brume Noire consistently commands the highest prices at auction. Fred Strong, the current Vice-Premier of Nouvelle Alexandrie, inherited the estate and maintains an active interest in its operations.
