Shaoxing wine, also known as Hue Dew or Hua Diao wine, originates from Shaoxing in China’s Zhejiang province. It is made from glutinous rice, rice millet, yeast, and local mineral and spring waters and most closely resembles dry sherry in taste. The best is aged for at least ten years in earthenware pottery in underground cellars and those labeled Hue Dew or Hua Diao have generally been aged for at least fifty years. Drunk warm, but more commonly used in cooking, Shaoxing wine is available in Asian markets or online at www.ethnicgrocer.com. The best variety is the Pagoda brand made in Zhejiang. Be sure to avoid Shaoxing “cooking” wine, which is heavily salted and lacks the bouquet of the drinkable wine. You can substitute a good dry sherry for Shaoxing wine.
