Lille

Chateau D'Ile

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  Not far from The Tether, at the tip of the South Eastern point the crescent-shaped island of Guildereim, is the Château D'Île, a large tea plantation and estate seated on an enviable plot of land. Boasting the largest growth and production of fine-quality tea in the Southern half of the island, the property (formerly under the ownership of one Monsieur Hoareau) had recently been purchased by La Duchesse Lille Murat. There is some speculation amongst the island's inhabitants about the arrangement between the noblewoman and the old M. Hoareau, many claiming that the estate was secured by forcible means and did not end well for the previous owner.
  
  In recent months, the property's modest workings have been upgraded. The drying, crushing and harvesting sections of the land have been fully renovated and the number of workers have since doubled to ensure maximum production. Since La Château's change of ownership, Lille has improved on the estate's business with the introduction of various new tea blends and the delicate process that the harvesting of their (now) specialty, Château's White.
  
  The tea itself, regardless of the harvesting technique and additives, is often described as biscuity, full, and tasting slightly of the jasmine that surrounds the tea crops on the property. The strain of tea unique to the property has been cultivated and perfected for centuries, thanks to the previous owner and his ancestors.
  
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  Château D'Île is happy to provide any prospective clientele with small samples or private tastings Customers will be able to purchase small amounts on whim, or buy the tea in bulk. Contracts are negotiable. La Château's blends are not sold in this bulk measure of '30 pounds', instead purchased in one or two pound bags.
  
  

  La Duchesse may be contacted through post, and meetings may be scheduled with her through this method, or through contact with one of her servants.

• Classification & Blends

  There are two categories under which tea is sold from Château D'Île: Whole Tea, and Blended Tea. Whole tea is always served in larger amounts, as her clientèle often uses it for the creation of their own blends. Whole tea is just the tea leaves, cut and prepared as each individual type (would suggest. Blended tea is infused with blend-specific ingredients that include (but are not limited to): vanilla, bergamot oil, jasmine, caramel, cinnamon, cassia, clove, anise, fennel, flower blossoms (rose, most notably), lotus, and mint. Many of these ingredients are imported, if they are not grown right on the property.
  
  All types of (non-herbal) tea come from the same plant; what differentiates them is the process with which they are treated.

• Whole Tea

  Oolong/Brown Tea 18 gold per pound 510 gold per 30 pound crate

  Post-Fermented Tea 18 gold per pound 510 gold per 30 pound crate

  Black Tea 20 gold per pound 575 gold per 30 pound crate

  
  
  

  Green Tea 21 gold per pound 600 gold per 30 pound crate

  Yellow Tea 25 gold per pound 710 gold per 30 pound crate

  White Tea 30 gold per pound 855 gold per 30 pound crate

• Blended Tea

  Duchesse Superb
  An elegant, mild-bodied afternoon tea with a creamy 'mouthfeel' and a light after-taste that lingers long after the final sip. The crème de la crème of black tea, silver-tipped and true to La Château's fine strain in it's biscuity flavour with subtle notes of jasmine. Blended with young rose buds, fresh lavender, sweet vanilla, honey and a hint of bergamot, this floral tea is fit for royalty.
  Black Tea Blend / 3 gold per 20 bag tin
  
  
  
  Château's White
  A speciality blend of white tea, to be enjoyed at any time of the day. Petite, silver-haired buds are uncharacteristically sweet and paired with the smallest hint of bergamot and rose blossom. It is a simple blend, for the flavour is light and subtle, leaving the sharp after-taste of jasmine that does not linger long in the mouth. Truly a favourite for any occasion, though it is most popular for weddings.
  White Tea Blend / 3 gold per 20 bag tin
  
  
  
  Bon Matin
  A bold sister to the Duchesse Superb, this strong, fragrant breakfast blend is sure to lure any from the strong pull of sleep. Blended with rose hips, lavender, and honey though accented heavily with rich vanilla and a generous use of bergamot that is sure to linger long on the lips.
  Black Tea Blend / 3 gold per 20 bag tin
  
  
  
  Turkish Delight
  A taste of the east. A strong, robust black tea blend that leaves a sharp, tingling sensation on the tongue. It is a bold blend of pistachios, almonds and sultry spices, laced with Turkish apple tea-- a local sign of hospitality.
  Recommended that it is consumed without milk.
  Black Tea Blend / 3 gold per 20 bag tin
  
  
  
  Mélange d'Hiver
  Not available at this time. Only available during the winter season!
  A seasonal, wintry blend of strong, black tea paired with rich, warming notes of vanilla, almond, hibiscus, and orange zest. Cinnamon and clove bring a touch of holiday spice to a drink suiting of the coldest of the island months. Why travel North, where you might experience winter with every lasting sip of la Mélange d'Hiver?
  Black Tea Blend / 3 gold per 20 bag tin