Shaoxing Wine

Shaoxing wine, often referred to as Shaoxing rice wine, is a traditional Chinese rice named after Shaoxing, a city in Zhejiang province. This wine has a history dating back over 2,500 years and is known for its unique flavour, as well as its culinary and social significance.

Shaoxing wine is made primarily from glutinous rice and wheat, fermented using a starter culture called mijiu yeast.

It is typically aged for an extended period, with some varieties ageing for several decades, giving them a complex and mellow taste.

One of the most famous varieties is Hua Diao, which is dry and amber-hued, with a nutty aroma.

Shaoxing wine is often described as Shaoxing cooking wine, as it is used in many Chinese dishes. It imparts warmth, fruitiness, and depth of flavour, enhancing the complexity of sauces.

It’s the key ingredient in ‘red braised’ dishes eaten at Chinese New Year, and is also responsible for the warm, fruity taste of Drunken Chicken.