AOC Martinique
In 1996 Agricole rum (rhum agricole) from Martinique finally acquires its AOC label (Protected Designation of Origin).
Former manager of La Mauny and president of the Martinique Agricole Rum producer union at the time, Jean-Pierre Bourdillon battled for 22 years to obtain this label.
In 1996 Agricole rum (rhum agricole) from Martinique finally acquires its AOC label (Protected Designation of Origin).
Former manager of La Mauny and president of the Martinique Agricole Rum producer union at the time, Jean-Pierre Bourdillon battled for 22 years to obtain this label.
Today it is the only AOC label in the French overseas territory and the only AOC Rum label in the world. It certifies the superior quality and strict demands, the link between the production, the terroir and the artisanal know-how, thus raising Agricole Rum from Martinique to the same rank as the greatest spirits; it links rums to their geographical origin and assures their exceptional qualities.
Today it is the only AOC label in the French overseas territory and the only AOC Rum label in the world. It certifies the superior quality and strict demands, the link between the production, the terroir and the artisanal know-how, thus raising Agricole Rum from Martinique to the same rank as the greatest spirits; it links rums to their geographical origin and assures their exceptional qualities.
The AOC label rigorously supervises the manufacturing process, from the selection of the sugarcanes to the ageing, and the distillation techniques; this induces strict and regular quality controls lead by the certifying body:
• Agricole rum is made exclusively with pure sugarcane juice among which only about twenty varieties are authorized for its production.
• The harvest is limited to the period between January 1st and August 31st on parcels defined and approved by the AOC certification.
• The yields are limited in order to guarantee the optimal quality of the raw matter.
• The distillation must be continuous in a Creole column and the alcohol by volume at the output must be between 65% and 75%.
• Ageing must take place on the production site and in oak casks: 3 years minimum for aged rums and over 6 years for the vintages.
The AOC label rigorously supervises the manufacturing process, from the selection of the sugarcanes to the ageing, and the distillation techniques; this induces strict and regular quality controls lead by the certifying body:
• Agricole rum is made exclusively with pure sugarcane juice among which only about twenty varieties are authorized for its production.
• The harvest is limited to the period between January 1st and August 31st on parcels defined and approved by the AOC certification.
• The yields are limited in order to guarantee the optimal quality of the raw matter.
• The distillation must be continuous in a Creole column and the alcohol by volume at the output must be between 65% and 75%.
• Ageing must take place on the production site and in oak casks: 3 years minimum for aged rums and over 6 years for the vintages.
