Red Glutinous Rice Wine

This wine is a cherished beverage of the Muong people in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam, and has become a symbol of the region's cultural heritage. The wine is crafted from red glutinous rice, a rare variety that is traditionally cultivated by the Muong community. This rice possesses a distinctive red color both inside and out and offers a unique flavor profile that is unmatched by other rice types. As a result, the wine produced from this rice is notably sweet, flavorful, and smooth. Each November, the local farmers harvest the rice from their fields, initiating the preparation of the wine for the upcoming Tet holiday. Once harvested, the rice is stripped of its husk, steamed, and then combined with natural yeast derived from leaves, allowing it to ferment for three days. Subsequently, the mixture is transferred into jars containing glutinous rice for further incubation. The jars are sealed with banana leaves and buried underground. During the burial process, the owner often recites prayers, asking the spirits to bless the wine with an exceptional flavor.

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After a fermentation period of three months and ten days, the jars are unearthed, and the contents are filtered to extract the wine. The finished product displays a beautiful red-purple hue, accompanied by an alluring aroma. This wine is versatile enough to be enjoyed during meals, as a gesture of hospitality to friends, or for health recovery purposes. Its smooth and pleasant taste makes it suitable for drinkers of all ages, ensuring it leaves a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to try it.