Austrian fizz elegance – Sparkling tea by La Maison Tea Royal, Südsteiermark
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Dear readers, in recent blog posts, we have glimpsed a few exceptional champagnes from distinguished French houses and the pleasures of enjoying a glass on a relaxed summer day. Yet not everyone drinks alcohol, whether by preference or for health reasons, so does that mean they must forgo this same sense of stylish indulgence? Not at all. In fact, there is a delightful alternative, and that is sparkling tea. I first discovered this emerging category last year while shopping at an esteemed British tea and food store, and I was immediately intrigued. The idea felt fresh and innovative, and once I tasted it, I was struck by how closely its texture and liveliness could evoke champagne! It seemed equally charming alongside shortbread or an elegant English afternoon tea. Ever since, the idea has stayed with me. Although sparkling tea is not yet widely available in most restaurants, it has a distinct appeal: a refined fizz reminiscent of champagne or sparkling wine, but without alcohol, and with a range of fragrant profiles created through different teas, herbs, and spices. During Vinexpo Asia, I was delighted to encounter La Maison Tea Royal from Austria, whose sparkling tea instantly reminded me of that first encounter with this enchanting beverage, and made me think it would be especially appealing in the heat of summer.
Founded in spring 2024 by the Austrian winemaker trio: Mr. Bernhard Schauer, Mr. Johannes Firmenich, and Mr. Stefan Schauer, the brand was created out of a desire to produce an exceptional drink that captures some of Champagne’s elegance while remaining alcohol-free. Its blends combine discreetly selected tea, herbs, and spices to create the unique complexity and aroma, and the range includes four sparkling tea creations, three of which are completely alcohol-free. This is a house that clearly understands the allure of ritual and refreshment, translating them into a more modern, inclusive format.
When I met Johannes at the booth, his warm welcome immediately drew me in. The label on the bottle, with its graceful artistic lines and classic type, evoked Vienna’s “Jugendstil” era of the 19th century, and the decorative language felt reminiscent of Mucha’s elegant, flowing art forms. After tasting the full range, two of them stood out in particular. The “White Blossom No. 13” offers a bright, uplifting profile. In the glass, it shows a clear golden hue, with aromas of ripe pear and apple peel. Its flavour is delicate yet layered, with floral nuances, a subtle sweetness, and a touch of herbal brightness. The blend is enriched with grape seeds and skins from organically farmed vineyards, and it is matured in oak barrels, giving the tea added structure, depth, and a gentle woody note. It is a distinctive and intelligent creation, using traditional wine-making techniques to produce a beverage that feels polished, elegant, and remarkably versatile — lovely with simple pastries or a green salad with a light dressing.
On the other hand, the “Blooming Rosé No. 7” brings a more playful sense of colour and charm. Its salmon-pink hue is immediately inviting, while the aroma opens with red berries, black elderberry, and herbal accents. On the palate, it is creamy and graceful, with notes of linden blossom, honey, and a fresh floral lift. It is a stylish companion to delicate cakes, summer fruit desserts, or simply enjoy it on its own when one wants to appreciate its layers with no distractions.
After all, summer is the season for pleasure in many forms: time to unwind, to recharge, and to enjoy small luxuries that feel light yet memorable. A well-made sparkling tea offers exactly that — a graceful alternative to champagne, with Austrian wine-making know-how, a refined sense of style, and just enough sparkle to make the moment feel special.
Image courtesy of La Maison Tea Royal, Südsteiermark.