A detailed introduction to Chinese yellow wine (such as Shaoxing wine) | In-depth explanation by Hong Kong editor

With a rich history spanning over 3,000 years, Chinese rice wine (huangjiu) represents a representative of traditional Chinese alcoholic beverages, with Shaoxing wine from the Shaoxing region of Zhejiang being particularly renowned. With its distinctive aroma and rich body, huangjiu is enjoyed as a beverage and widely used as a culinary seasoning. This article, written in the most detailed and local Hong Kong language, will thoroughly explain the historical origins of huangjiu, its brewing process, its varieties, how to enjoy it, and the Hong Kong market. Every sip of this wine is imbued with cultural heritage! 🍶✨🍚

The Origin and Development of Yellow Rice Wine

Huangjiu (rice wine) is a uniquely Chinese brew, made from glutinous rice, wheat yeast, and water through fermentation. Its history dates back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and it has been popular throughout China for many years, reaching its peak in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions. Shaoxing wine, a hallmark of huangjiu, boasts a long and influential history, receiving numerous awards both domestically and internationally. The huangjiu production process is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Brewing process

• Raw materials : high-quality refined white glutinous rice, Jianhu spring water, koji made from wheat, etc.

• Koji making : Koji is made from koji fungi, which is an important step in saccharification and fermentation.

• Steamed rice and spread rice : Steam the glutinous rice, cool it down, mix it with koji and ferment it;

• Fermentation : divided into two stages: pre-fermentation and post-fermentation, regulating temperature and environment;

• Pressing and decocting : filtering the mash and then heating and disinfecting to stabilize the wine quality;

• Aging : Aging in pottery jars or jars, the longer it ages, the more fragrant and mellow it becomes.

Main types of rice wine

• Shaoxing wine is brewed with refined white glutinous rice and water from Jianhu Lake. It has sub-variety types such as "Yuanhong Wine", "Jiafan Wine", "Shanniao Wine" and "Fenggang Wine", with an alcohol content of 14%-18%.

• Nv'erhong <br>A type of Shaoxing wine that embodies ancient customs and is specially made for a daughter's full moon or wedding.

• Rice wine (Hua Diao)
  Adding more glutinous rice and koji makes the taste sweet and mellow with a strong wine aroma.

• Sealed jar wine <br>Traditional cellar storage, mellow taste and longer-lasting aroma.

Yellow wine flavor and drinking methods

• The flavor is rich and mellow, with a slightly sweet, fruity and sauce-flavored taste, and some slightly salty and fresh taste.

• It can be drunk hot or cold. Warming the wine helps to enhance the aroma, while cold drinking is more refreshing and thirst-quenching.

• Rice wine is also a classic Chinese cooking ingredient, such as braised pork, drunken chicken, and seafood.

• Traditionally, it is enjoyed slowly in a small wine glass, accompanied by Chinese dim sum or savory side dishes.

Hong Kong market and brand promotion

• Gu Yue Long Shan <br>A well-known Shaoxing wine brand with stable quality, mellow taste and many aged wines, suitable for drinking in many occasions.

• Kuaiji Mountain's special Jiafan wine and Yuanhong wine inherit traditional brewing techniques and have charming aroma.

• Shen Yonghe <br>Combining tradition and innovation, the product line covers a variety of rice wine categories.

• Nv'erhong <br>Enjoys a great reputation, is a cultural symbol, and has a warming aroma.

Editor's sharing💡

Huangjiu (rice wine) is more than just a beverage; it carries a rich cultural and historical heritage. Drinking a glass of Shaoxing aged rice wine is like stepping back through thousands of years, immersing you in the poetic charm of the Jiangnan waterside villages. Interest in huangjiu is growing in Hong Kong, with more and more wine lovers discovering this traditionally brewed wine. Paired with Hong Kong-style clay pot rice or fine wine and food, the rich aroma lingers on the palate, refreshing and lingering.

Next time I go to a wine shop, I must try the real world of rice wine! Cheers! 🍶🧧🌾