Chinese rice wine is traditionally warmed before being consumed. A rice wine warmer is a kitchen accessory that comes in a variety of sizes, and shapes. They are typically made of tin, ceramic or porcelain. The temperature to which the wine may be warmed ranges between approximately 95°F to 130°F (35° and 55°C). Warming the beverage allows its aromas to be better appreciated by the drinker without losing too much alcohol. Optimal temperature for warming depends on the type of wine as well as the preference of the drinker.
How to use a rice wine warmer:
Of course you can always warm Chinese rice wine in a microwave oven, or in a pan on your stove, but where is the culture in that? Rice wine warmers are a simple, elegant, and the traditional way of serving Chinese rice wine. They typically are composed of two, sometimes three, pieces; a bowl, a kettle, and sometimes a serving cup.
- Fill warming bowl to approximately 3/4ths full with steaming hot water.
- Fill warming kettle with Chinese rice wine.
- Place warming kettle into the hot water in the warming bowl and cover kettle with serving cup.
- Wait a few minutes to let the hot water warm the rice wine. Warm to your preference.
- Pour rice wine from kettle to serving cup.
- Smell the aroma, drink the wine and enjoy.
