Shaoxing wine
Shaoxing wine is one of the most famous varieties of huangjiu, or traditional Chinese wines, fermented from rice. It originates from the region of Shaoxing, in the Zhejiang province of eastern China. It is both drunk as a beverage as well as widely used in Chinese cuisine. It is internationally well-known and renowned throughout mainland China, as well as in Taiwan and Southeast Asia.[1]
Production
Shaoxing wine has been in production since dynastic times. Large quantities are made and stored in the classic Shaoxing wine container over long periods of time.[1] It is also shipped internationally in bottles. Aged wines are referred to vintage (chennian, 陳年).
Usage
Shaoxing wine can be drunk as a beverage and is considered to take the place of rice at the beginning of a meal. When at home some families will drink their wine out of rice bowls-which is also the serving style at Xian Heng Jiu Dian (see link below). Women customarily do not drink very much as it is considered somewhat unbecoming. If not served at a meal, Shaoxing wine can also accompany peanuts or other common snacks.
Huang jiu 黄酒, as it is known locally, is also well known for its use in meat dishes, in addition to being an ingredient in many dishes of Chinese cuisine. It is a key ingredient of Mao Zedong's favourite dish of braised pork belly with mushrooms and scallion greens - what he called his "brain food" that helped him defeat his enemies. The following is a sample list of other common Shaoxing wine-marinated dishes. It is not limited to the following:[1]
Producers
One prominent producer of Shaoxing wine is Zhejiang Gu Yue Long Shan Shaoxing Wine Co., Ltd. (古越龍山) of Shaoxing, Zhejiang.[2] Other popular brands include: Di ju tang 帝聚堂, Kuai ji Shan (named after a local mountain), and Tu Shao Jiu 土绍酒.
See also
References
- ^ a b c TVB show Natural Heritage 天賜良源 episode 1 January 30, 2008. Shaoxing wine exclusive
- ^ Shaoxingwine.com
External links