20 June 2018

Austrian apricot region Poysdorf presents new ambassadress 'Amelia I.' and cellar cycling tours

Poysdorf in Lower Austria (around 50 minutes from Vienna) is known for its wine culture and counts to the country's literally most 'fruitful' regions: it's one of the most profitable apricot growing areas. Apricots are rich on vitamin A (keyword antioxidant, or protection against free radicals) and minerals like iron. At the seasonal nutrition calendar by the Austrian Health Ministry, the fruit is recommended as snack in-between and ingredient of dishes. The Poysdorfer farmers create from different apricot varieties a large range of products such as apricot marmalades, juices, chutneys to alcoholic beverages. Every three years, a new ambassador or 'Highness' is elected for representing the region. Three years ago, a man was the face of the region; this year, the 'Apricot Queen' is Amelia I. aka Amelia Rieder, student of wine and fruit cultivation - viticulture and fruit production, at the 'HBLA für Wein- und Obstbau' in Klosterneuburg. Amelia Rieder is born into a family of apricot specialists, once started by her grandfather Johann Rieder.

fig.: Amelia I., Apricot Queen, ambassadress of apricot cultivation in Poysdorf (Lower Austria) where apricots are harvested - depending on the weather, from June, July. Photo: (C) Robert Herbst.

For experiencing the region and the gastronomy (which cooks currently also traditional dishes with apricots like apricot dumplings), Poysdorf recommends among other tips

- the upcoming 'Kirtag' (word derived from 'Church Day') under the motto 'Wein trifft Marille' (Wine meets Apricot) on Sunday, 24th June at Vino Versum

- guided bike tours organized by radwerk-w4.at such as through the wine region's Kellergassen (cellar lanes), the cellar lane cycling tour.

Additional note: List of apricot varieties growing in Lower Austria.


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