Steeped in tradition, Japan's $200 bottled tea inspired by wine

Yamecha aims for global recognition with help from renowned sommelier

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A wine-style bottle of Yamecha green tea, which retails for 27,000 yen ($205). (Photo by Yoshinaru Sakabe)

YOSHINARU SAKABE, Nikkei staff writer

FUKUOKA -- A premium Japanese green tea with a 600-year history is finally on track to reach a global audience, bottled and branded like fine wine.

Yamecha tea is grown largely in and around the namesake city of Yame in Fukuoka prefecture. Only about 124 kilograms of the best-quality leaves are harvested each year.

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