Differences between Ye Traditions Rice Wine and Shaoxing Wine

Have you ever wondered about the differences between Ye Traditions Rice Wine and Shaoxing Wine? What are their origins, how do we use them for cooking, and is one truly better than the other? Let's dive into the unique characteristics of these two traditional Chinese wines.

Roots of Tradition

Both Ye Traditions Rice Wine and Shaoxing Wine have their origins deeply rooted in Chinese culture and history. They are both made from fermenting rice, water, and a starter culture, following age-old recipes passed down through generations. 

Both rice wines are predominantly used for cooking Asian cuisines, and you can find many recipes here. 

The Twist: Shaoxing Wine

While both wines share a similar base, Shaoxing Wine, which is mass-produced, often includes additives like salt, sugar, and preservatives to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. However, these additives can alter the original taste and quality of the wine. After all, rice wines, due to the natural fermentation process, are touted to have many health benefits such as aiding digestion, increasing blood circulation, and lowering cholesterol levels. And when mass produced Shaoxing wines end up adding preservatives, it quickly loses its health value. 

Ye Traditions Rice Wine: Pure and Authentic

On the other hand, Ye Traditions Rice Wine prides itself on staying true to the traditional methods of winemaking, without the use of any artificial additives. Because we are a microbrewery, we do not have the need to add in salt, sugar, and bad preservatives just to keep each batch sitting for longer. This results in a pure, authentic wine that captures the essence of Chinese tradition in every sip, and is also a suitable choice for families young and old. 

But just because a rice wine has no preservatives does not mean it cannot be kept for long. In fact, we have rice wines that we have aged for years that we save for special occasions to sip on. Because this is a fermented product, the longer you keep, the stronger, bolder, and deeper the taste, and for some families, this is a mark of a vintage rice wine. Just remember, always store in a cool dry place. 

Rice wine can be used as a cooking wine, a health tonic, or added to foods to naturally enhance its flavors and give it an extra punch of nutrition. So, if you're looking for a wine that preserves the true flavors of Chinese heritage, and is safe for your family, Ye Traditions Rice Wine is the way to go. Say no to additives and embrace the authentic taste of tradition!

Check out our Rice Wine Collections