Shaoxing Wine

Shaoxing wine is a Chinese rice wine from Shaoxing in Zhejiang province, traditionally made with glutinous rice, water and wheat-based fermentation starter.  The region’s winemaking history stretches back thousands of years —rice wine was being made in China for centuries before the common era.

In China, it’s used for both for drinking and cooking, although it’s far more common in North America as a cooking wine.  Bottles sold separately as cooking wine often contain added salt and aren’t intended for drinking.

Like ciders or white wines, flavor profiles range from dry to sweet. And just like grape wine, Shaoxing wine can be aged, in which case it’ll be referred to accordingly by the year.

When enjoyed as a drink, it can be served before or alongside a meal, sometimes with snacks like peanuts. In cooking, one of its main cooking uses is in marinade for beef, pork, seafood, poultry or ingredients like tofu.  It’s also commonly added to stir-fries, braises and sauces for extra depth of flavor.

If you’re looking for Shaoxing wine, Uwajimaya carries many different brands and varieties in our grocery department.