Shaoxing rice wine is a traditional fermented wine that is a specialty of Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, China. It is also one of the four famous wines in China. It is named after the place name of Shaoxing City, has a history of thousands of years, and is known as "the first wine in China".
The main raw materials of Shaoxing rice wine are sorghum, glutinous rice, wheat and water, which are made through cooking, fermentation, aging and other processes. Its brewing process is relatively unique. Its main feature is the use of local unique rice grains and distiller's yeast for fermentation, and then aging in special wine cellars and underground wine storages.
The traditional method is to stir the rice paste by hand with a wooden hoe every 4 hours to help the yeast break down the sugars evenly. Opening the axis, also known as "opening the axis", is an essential skill for brewing wine that is neither bitter nor sour. Another important skill for a winemaker is to assess fermentation by listening to the bubbling in the barrel.
In addition to glutinous rice, Shaoxing wine can also be brewed from sorghum or millet.
It is also bottled for domestic consumption and international shipping. Aged wine is expressed in terms of the year it was made, similar to the vintage of a grape. The ones sold overseas are often used for cooking and may contain spices and extra salt. Mislabeling wine from regions other than Shaoxing as Shaoxing wine is a "common fraud."
Shaoxing rice wine is golden in color, rich in aroma, mellow in taste, slightly sweet, and sometimes has a unique sour taste. Its alcohol content is usually between 15% and 20%. It is a low-alcohol liquor and is suitable for drinking on various occasions.
Shaoxing rice wine plays an important role in Chinese culture and is considered a must-have for celebrating festivals, entertaining guests and social gatherings. Not only can it be drunk on its own, it is also commonly used in cooking to season dishes and add flavor. In addition, Shaoxing rice wine is also believed to help promote digestion, increase appetite, and nourish the body.
Shaoxing rice wine comes in many different brands and origins, each with its own unique taste and style. When purchasing Shaoxing rice wine, you can choose the appropriate brand and style according to your personal taste and purpose.
famous manufacturer
- Guyue Longshan Shaoxing Rice Wine
- Kuaijishan Shaoxing Rice Wine
- Tower Brand Shaoxing Rice Wine
- Ner Hong Shaoxing Rice Wine
- Xianheng Shaoxing Rice Wine
- Kong Yiji Shaoxing Rice Wine
- Shengta Shaoxing Rice Wine
- Shen Yonghe Shaoxing Rice Wine
- Tai Diao Shaoxing Rice Wine
- Zhuangyuan Red Shaoxing Rice Wine