Anything can be made complicated. Lessons From the Professors of Tea:

“There are three sub-varieties,” Mr. Heiss said, “and from that there are thousands of sub, sub-varieties, but basically it all starts with the same plant.” Tea is like wine in that its flavor is affected by soil and climate, as well as when the leaves are picked and how they are processed, he said.

As he spoke, he carefully arranged a wooden tea tray on the counter with four porcelain tea tasting cups and a crimson teapot of unfinished clay.

I guess there will always be folks interested in taking the simple pleasures in life to the nth degree. Not my cup of tea!