Rice Wine and Shaoxing Wine

The most famous of rice wines in America is no doubt sake, which originated in Japan. There are several sake producers in America now, especially on the West Coast. The other rice wine often called for in Chinese cooking is Shaoxing wine, which originates in the city of Shaoxing in eastern China. It’s made from a blend of fermented rice, millet, and yeast and aged for up to 100 years. It has a rich amber color, full-bodied aroma, and an alcohol content similar to dry sherry, which can be used as a substitute.