AV2
Pronounced floral aromatics, muscatel character. Premium Darjeeling clonal cultivar.
AV2 (Ambari Vegetative 2) is a clonal cultivar developed in Darjeeling for premium black tea production. The cultivar produces pronounced floral aromatics and amplified muscatel character — the distinctive green-grape, wine-like notes that define second flush Darjeeling. AV2 plantings have become substantial across modern Darjeeling estates, producing some of the most acclaimed contemporary Darjeeling productions.
The cultivar represents the modern Darjeeling industry's response to economic pressures: AV2 is more reliable to cultivate than traditional Chinese seed-grown material while producing cup quality at or above heritage levels. Single-clonal AV2 lots from estates like Castleton and Margaret's Hope command premium pricing and form the basis for many international competition entries from Darjeeling. The combination of AV2 genetics with Darjeeling's subtropical highland terroir produces some of the most internationally celebrated tea of the past two decades.
Teas produced
Flavor signature
Growing regions
- Darjeeling (multiple estates)
Origins where AV2 grows
Brands likely carrying AV2
Direct-sourcing operations with focus areas that align with this cultivar's typical growing regions.