On 23 January, the Institute of Wine, Embroidery and Handicrafts of Madeira, I.P. – RAM, promoted an educational activity on “Madeira Rum” for a group of guides/interpreters from the Autonomous Region of Madeira, which took place at the IVBAM facilities in Rua 5 de Outubro.
The “Madeira Rum” commonly referred to in Madeira as “Aguardente de Cana” (traditional term) is, in fact, the Rum with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) produced in RAM, obtained exclusively by alcoholic fermentation and distillation of sugar cane juice, and for this reason classified as agricultural rum, with unique quality and characteristics that result from traditional production processes and experience accumulated over generations.
This activity was designed for a group of 16 guides, who had the opportunity to get to know and/or deepen their knowledge of Madeira Rum, namely a unique set of factors ranging from geography, geology, climatic conditions of the Region, the varieties of sugar cane used in production, the method of production and ageing and the know-how accumulated over centuries.
To lead this activity, IVBAM hired the services of the Madeiran sommelier, Américo Pereira.
In addition to the theoretical part, the group also had the opportunity to taste various types of Madeira Rum from the producing companies: Engenho Novo da Madeira, Lda, J. Faria & Filhos, Lda (Engenhos do Norte), Sociedade dos Engenhos da Calheta, Lda., Florentino Izildo de Gouveia Ferreira and Abel Fernandes, Lda.
The aim of IVBAM in this type of activity was to be able to rely on the collaboration of this group of professionals in the dissemination of Madeira Rum, transmitting the knowledge acquired about this regional product with Protected Geographical Indication to the tourists who visit the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
Participation in this type of action is co-financed at 85% by community funds, within the Madeira 14-20 Programme, the remaining amount being borne by the regional budget.
