Shaoxing Huangjiu

Shaoxing Huangjiu

Shaoxing Huangjiu is a Geographical Indication (GI) Protected Product.

Shaoxing Huangjiu is a Geographical Indication Certified Trademark.

　　Geographical Area

　　　 The Shaoxing Jianhu Lake water system region.

　　Special Characteristics

　　　　　　Shaoxing Huangjiu boasts an enticing, richly aromatic fragrance. This aroma is not any single overpowering scent, but rather a complex bouquet composed of esters, alcohols, aldehydes, acids, carbonyl compounds, phenols, and various other components. These fragrant substances come from the rice and wheat koji themselves, as well as the metabolic activity of various microorganisms during fermentation, along with reactions between alcohol and acid during aging. Together, they produce this rich fragrance, which often becomes even more intense over time. That’s why Shaoxing wine is called "laojiu" (old liquor), because it becomes more fragrant the longer it ages.

　　Cultural Anecdotes

　　　　 Shaoxing laojiu enjoys a prestigious reputation. During the Qing Dynasty, it was ranked among the top ten national famous products. It has won numerous gold medals and top awards at the 1910 Nanyang Industrial Exposition, the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition in the United States, and the 1936 Zhejiang-Jiangxi Specialty Exhibition. In 1952 and 1963, Shaoxing Jiufa wine was respectively selected as one of the “Eight Famous Liquors” and the “Eighteen Famous Liquors” nationwide. In 1979, Jiufa wine was also awarded the title of “National Famous Liquor,” receiving a gold medal and certificate from the State Economic Commission. Meanwhile, Yuanhong wine and Shan niang wine both earned the title of “National Quality Liquor,” being presented with “Quality Product Certificates” by the Ministry of Light Industry. In 1980, Xiangxue wine also received a “Quality Product Certificate” issued by the provincial government. In 1983, Jiufa and Yuanhong wines both won the Gold Cup Award in the Ministry of Light Industry’s Liquor Quality Competition, Shan niang received a Silver Cup Award, and Xiangxue was honored as a “Ministry-Level Quality Product.”