Gu Yue Longshan 1959 Sapphire is a prestigious, long-aged expression of traditional Shaoxing huadiao wine, crafted from selected glutinous rice, pure local water, and the characteristic fermentation starter of the Shaoxing region. This edition is made from winter-brewed base wine that then matures for many years in clay vessels, developing a rich aromatic complexity with notes of caramel, dried fruits, almonds, gentle oxidative nuances, and subtle rancio tones.
The texture is soft and rounded, with balanced sweetness and a warm, elegant finish. Created to commemorate significant historical milestones, the “1959” series has often been served at state ceremonies, highlighting its symbolic and representative status.
With its combination of traditional production methods, prolonged aging, and distinctive “sapphire” presentation, this wine is regarded as one of the most prestigious releases in the Gu Yue Long Shan portfolio.
Producer
Gu Yue Long Shan is one of China’s most renowned producers of yellow rice wine, with a heritage deeply rooted in the Shaoxing region of Zhejiang Province, historically known as the heartland of this wine style. The company preserves traditional craftsmanship by using glutinous rice, yellow wheat qu (fermentation starter), and pure local water, followed by natural fermentation and aging in clay vessels that develop the wine’s layered, nutty, caramelized, and gently oxidative character.
Their portfolio includes wines of varying ages - from standard expressions to 10-, 15-, and even 20-year-old releases - where longer maturation brings greater aromatic complexity and depth of color. Regarded as a benchmark brand in the category, Gu Yue Long Shan is frequently chosen for state banquets and official ceremonies, underscoring its prestige and status as a “national wine”.
By combining time-honored methods with modern quality control, the brand has gained recognition beyond China and represents an essential reference point for understanding the authentic cultural and enological tradition of Shaoxing yellow wine.
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