Chinese "white" wine
The most famous Chinese wine is Maotai. It has its own character and spirit. It is a strong liquor distilled from fermented sorghum and is also called the national drink of China.
Maotai has a very long history. Its production began about one hundred years before our time. At first a type of fruity liquor was produced, which was called Ju Jiang. It was sweet and tasty. One government official took a sample of this drink to the emperor Han Wu Di, who called it 'honey-like nectar.' It became the first recorded case of alcohol being produced in Maotai.
During the Ming dynasty, the drink was named after the town where it originated - Maotai in the Guizhou Province. At that time the name in its entirety read 'Maotai Shao Chun.' In those days, the village of Maotai boasted a number of small breweries where the spirits were produced.
Fifty years ago, three families dominated the production and sales of Maotai. Later on the government bought the companies and today the drink is produced by the state-owned Kweichow Moutai Company.
One of the Maotai representatives got so frustrated with the poorly organized trip the exposition that he smashed one of the unattractive bottles on the floor. The bottle shattered into small pieces and the extraordinary odour of the drink spread into the exposition area. People gathered around, attracted by the smell, and ultimately the drink received several mentions. In those days, China was a poor and undeveloped country. International recognition served to lift the spirit of the Chinese and Maotai was accorded the title of national drink in 1915.
Once the drink attained the status of an internationally recognized brew, Maotai gained popularity all over China -- it was even served at the Republic's Independence Day celebrations. From 1949 until 1989, Maotai was an inherent part of the official Independence Day celebrations of the Communist Party. After 1989, alcoholic beverages in general were no longer served at official get together, but Maotai is still served today when foreign top-level officials are received by the Chinese government. One could even say that from 1949 on, the drink has played a part in international relations. It has been there to greet the leaders and representatives of foreign governments.
Maotai is brewed using a local plant by the name of (sorghum) luo kaoliang. Our company gathers the plants from the valley, where they are grown without any fertilizers. During the production process, a small amount of wheat is added to the mixture, but luo kaoliang is the main ingredient.
Maotai is allowed to age up to four years
The fermentation process is a long and complicated one. All in all it takes about a year. Fermentation is carried out alternating in closed and open containers. The resulting brew has to age for a long time, about four years. Our company has more storage buildings than production facilities because the drink needs to age for such a long time.
One of the factors that contribute to the flavor of Maotai, is the valley that is its home. Its unique climate and vegetation play a large part in the exotic taste of the drink. For this reason, Maotai can only be produced in Maotai. Any other place would be out of the question.
Despite growing demand, the production of Maotai is unlikely to increase. A bottle sealed today can only be sold after five years and this keeps the price of the drink high. The construction of high volume production facilities in the valley of Maotai is also out of the question, so it is not possible to produce large quantities of the drink. (Image 2 to the left: One of the worlds oldest wine "barrels").
It is said that it is the favourite drink of President Nixon and Charlie Chaplin
One of the most popular legends is called 'Fire in the White House.' When China had established diplomatic relations with the U.S., Prime Minister Zhou Enlai enjoyed a dinner with President Nixon. During their meal, Zhou showed Nixon how liquor could be set aflame. Nixon was fascinated with the trick and took two bottles of Maotai home with him. At home in the White House, Nixon attempted to astound his wife and daughter with the same trick. Unfortunately the bowl that contained the spirit heated up and cracked, setting the tablecloth ablaze. The heat set off the fire alarms in the building and the incident gave root to the story that is still remembered today. Even Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has admitted that the story is a true one.
For Premier Zhou, Maotai played a large part in helping to build political relations. In 1956, the Chinese were reaching out to countries all over the world, establishing political ties. Maotai was served at diplomatic parties and the famous actor Zhu Yingtai often performed for the distinguished guests. Premier Zhou is quoted as having said that there are two 'tails' at the root of all successful relations -- Maotai and Yingta.
Premier Zhou did have a strong liking to the drink and considered it to almost have magical qualities. He gave a bottle of the spirit to important people, and I have heard that the daughter of a certain Japanese prime minister keeps an old bottle of the brew locked away as securely as a family heirloom would be.
Another well-known legend recalls the meeting between Charlie Chaplin and Premier Zhou. Both men were known to withstand large amounts of alcohol. Chaplin took a liking to the Chinese brew and called it the drink of 'real men' in front of the press.
Chinese Drinking Culture
Maotai has a very long history. Its production began about one hundred years before our time. At first a type of fruity liquor was produced, which was called Ju Jiang. It was sweet and tasty. One government official took a sample of this drink to the emperor Han Wu Di, who called it 'honey-like nectar.' It became the first recorded case of alcohol being produced in Maotai.
During the Ming dynasty, the drink was named after the town where it originated - Maotai in the Guizhou Province. At that time the name in its entirety read 'Maotai Shao Chun.' In those days, the village of Maotai boasted a number of small breweries where the spirits were produced.
Fifty years ago, three families dominated the production and sales of Maotai. Later on the government bought the companies and today the drink is produced by the state-owned Kweichow Moutai Company.
One of the Maotai representatives got so frustrated with the poorly organized trip the exposition that he smashed one of the unattractive bottles on the floor. The bottle shattered into small pieces and the extraordinary odour of the drink spread into the exposition area. People gathered around, attracted by the smell, and ultimately the drink received several mentions. In those days, China was a poor and undeveloped country. International recognition served to lift the spirit of the Chinese and Maotai was accorded the title of national drink in 1915.
Once the drink attained the status of an internationally recognized brew, Maotai gained popularity all over China -- it was even served at the Republic's Independence Day celebrations. From 1949 until 1989, Maotai was an inherent part of the official Independence Day celebrations of the Communist Party. After 1989, alcoholic beverages in general were no longer served at official get together, but Maotai is still served today when foreign top-level officials are received by the Chinese government. One could even say that from 1949 on, the drink has played a part in international relations. It has been there to greet the leaders and representatives of foreign governments.
Maotai is brewed using a local plant by the name of (sorghum) luo kaoliang. Our company gathers the plants from the valley, where they are grown without any fertilizers. During the production process, a small amount of wheat is added to the mixture, but luo kaoliang is the main ingredient.
Maotai is allowed to age up to four years
The fermentation process is a long and complicated one. All in all it takes about a year. Fermentation is carried out alternating in closed and open containers. The resulting brew has to age for a long time, about four years. Our company has more storage buildings than production facilities because the drink needs to age for such a long time.
One of the factors that contribute to the flavor of Maotai, is the valley that is its home. Its unique climate and vegetation play a large part in the exotic taste of the drink. For this reason, Maotai can only be produced in Maotai. Any other place would be out of the question.
Despite growing demand, the production of Maotai is unlikely to increase. A bottle sealed today can only be sold after five years and this keeps the price of the drink high. The construction of high volume production facilities in the valley of Maotai is also out of the question, so it is not possible to produce large quantities of the drink. (Image 2 to the left: One of the worlds oldest wine "barrels").
It is said that it is the favourite drink of President Nixon and Charlie Chaplin
One of the most popular legends is called 'Fire in the White House.' When China had established diplomatic relations with the U.S., Prime Minister Zhou Enlai enjoyed a dinner with President Nixon. During their meal, Zhou showed Nixon how liquor could be set aflame. Nixon was fascinated with the trick and took two bottles of Maotai home with him. At home in the White House, Nixon attempted to astound his wife and daughter with the same trick. Unfortunately the bowl that contained the spirit heated up and cracked, setting the tablecloth ablaze. The heat set off the fire alarms in the building and the incident gave root to the story that is still remembered today. Even Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has admitted that the story is a true one.
For Premier Zhou, Maotai played a large part in helping to build political relations. In 1956, the Chinese were reaching out to countries all over the world, establishing political ties. Maotai was served at diplomatic parties and the famous actor Zhu Yingtai often performed for the distinguished guests. Premier Zhou is quoted as having said that there are two 'tails' at the root of all successful relations -- Maotai and Yingta.
Premier Zhou did have a strong liking to the drink and considered it to almost have magical qualities. He gave a bottle of the spirit to important people, and I have heard that the daughter of a certain Japanese prime minister keeps an old bottle of the brew locked away as securely as a family heirloom would be.
Another well-known legend recalls the meeting between Charlie Chaplin and Premier Zhou. Both men were known to withstand large amounts of alcohol. Chaplin took a liking to the Chinese brew and called it the drink of 'real men' in front of the press.
Chinese Drinking Culture
If a Chinese offers you a drink, it means that he respects you. People drink together and bond. It is a part of the Chinese culture. The host offers a drink and the guest responds to the gesture. In the Chinese business world is it important to master one's drinking habits. After a few drinks the mood is warmer and less tense, and this of course helps when one is trying to establish new business relations.
According to the traditional drinking ritual, a part of the drink must first be offered to the earth and the heavens before you can enjoy it yourself. These traditions are, however, changing along with the times. People have different attitudes towards drinking. I always try to use common sense when drinking. Even good things have their limits. But whether you are Chinese or foreign, the most important thing is to enjoy your drink. The best enjoyment is attained when one can discern when he has drunk enough. If you need to make rational decisions, it is best to drink less. We Chinese at least always want to give the impression that we know when we need to stop drinking, but all in all a moderate amount of alcohol can help in many situations.
According to the traditional drinking ritual, a part of the drink must first be offered to the earth and the heavens before you can enjoy it yourself. These traditions are, however, changing along with the times. People have different attitudes towards drinking. I always try to use common sense when drinking. Even good things have their limits. But whether you are Chinese or foreign, the most important thing is to enjoy your drink. The best enjoyment is attained when one can discern when he has drunk enough. If you need to make rational decisions, it is best to drink less. We Chinese at least always want to give the impression that we know when we need to stop drinking, but all in all a moderate amount of alcohol can help in many situations.
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