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Shaoxing wine (alternatively spelled Shaohsing, Hsiaohsing, or Shaoshing) is a variety of Chinese Huangjiu ("yellow wine") made by fermenting glutinous rice, water, and wheat-based yeast.
It is produced in Shaoxing, in the Zhejiang province of East China China, and is widely used as both a beverage and a cooking wine in Chinese cuisine. It is internationally well known and renowned throughout mainland China, as well as in Taiwan and Southeast Asia.TVB show Natural Heritage 天賜良源 episode 1 January 30, 2008. Shaoxing wine exclusive
The content of peptide in Shaoxing wine is high; however, their potential taste properties have not yet been studied.
In addition to glutinous rice, Shaoxing wine can also be produced with sorghum or millet.
It is also bottled for domestic consumption and for shipping internationally. Aged wines are referred to by year of brewing, similar to grape vintage year (p=chén nián).
Wines sold overseas are generally used in cooking, and can contain spices and extra salt. Mislabeling wines from regions other than Shaoxing as Shaoxing Wine is a "common fraudulent practice".
In 1980s, Hong Kong, interest in Nü Er Hong, a brand of Shaoxing wine, grew due to nostalgic interest in mainland Chinese traditions, as well as references in popular martial arts novels of the time. Tung Chee-hwa celebrated his appointment as first Chief Executive of Hong Kong with Nü Er Hong.
In China, popularity has waned in favor of drinking other types of alcohols, and has a reputation for being "old-fashioned" although still used for cooking. Outside of Asia it is mostly regarded as a cooking wine.
| + Classification |
| > 14.5 |
| > 16.0 |
| Huadiao Jiu (l=alcohol in jars engraved with flowers) |
| > 15.0 |
| > 13.0 |
| Fenggang Jiu (l=jug alcohol) |
Nǚ Ér Hong (l=daughter's red (wine)) is a tradition in Shaoxing when a girl is born into the family. A jar of wine is brewed and stored underground on the day of the daughter's birth, and dug out and opened for consumption on her wedding day as celebration.
Huang jiu (l=Yellow Alcohol), 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 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:
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