Wachauer Marille g.U *

Traditionally produced apricot in thr Wachau area, produced according to the specification as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) pursuant to EC Regulation 1107/96 OJ. L 148/1ff/96.

Record number: 7
 
Disclosure date
In 1509, first mention in the Wachau area (Starhembergisches Archiv, Eferding)
 
Title
Wachauer Marille g.U
(Wachauer apricot PDO) 
 
Abstract or claim 
Cultivation tradition using local varieties since about 1890. The inimitable quality is the result of the regional selection of apricot varieties and specific regional climatic and soil conditions in the Wachau- Mautern- Krems area, lower Austria.
Produced according to the specification as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) pursuant to EC Regulation 1107/96 OJ. L 148/1ff/96.
 
Name of product, product class
apricot, fruits
 
Name of  region
Wachau, Lower Austria, Austria
 
Field of search
Food and Agriculture
 
Name(s) of information provider
Wachauer Marille Verein zum Schutz der Wachauer Marille
 
Names of applicant for title  
Arbeitsausschuß zur Förderung des Marillenanbaues in den Gebieten Wachau - Krems - Mautern Gebieten Wachau - Krems - Mautern
 
Holder of knowledge or associated resources
Apricot producers in the Wachau
 
Grantee(s), holder(s), assignee(s) or owner(s) of title, if any
Arbeitsausschuß zur Förderung des Marillenanbaues in den Gebieten Wachau - Krems - Mautern Gebieten Wachau - Krems - Mautern 
 
Descriptors
The name “Marille” for apricots can be traced back to the year 1509. The cultivation of local apricot varieties in the famous wine growing area of the Wachau was triggered by the devastation of vineyards by pholloxera around 1890.
Since then, apricot growing has been an important industry in this region.
 
Fruit, mainly of the local variety “Klosterneuburger Marille”, medium sized, 45 to 60 g in weight, specific gravity generally over 1.0.Cone shaped fruit of honey- yellow colour, half or more of the fruit reddened, often with brown or red patches, high in pectin, acid and sugar. 
 
The stock plants are apricot seedling, myrobalan and other plums specially adapted to the regional soil conditions. The most common method of cultivation is that of a metre high stem with a round, pyramid-shaped or hollow crown (Plant spacing 5-7 m x 4-6 m, 250 – 500 trees/hectare). Integrated production methods have been introduced for tree cultivation. The fruit is harvested by hand, which is very labour intensive, and limits the cultivation area per farm. The fruit's pattern of ripening means that frequent harvesting is required, up to 5 times a year, with only tree-ripe or fully ripe fruits being picked on each occasion according to the form of marketing (direct sales/ wholesale).
 
The unmistakeable quality of the Wachauer Qualitätsmarille is the result of the regional climate and soil and a century of cultivation (selection and combination of varieties and the grafting stock used). The coincidence of various climates (Pannonic Basin and Waldviertel, closeness to the Danube- the so called “aroma belt”), together with the great differences between daytime and night time temperatures, particularly at the time when apricots are ripening, has a direct effect on the taste, aroma and nutrient content of the fruit. In addition to its commercial value, apricot farming in the Wachau is also very important for tourism. As the spring landscape is characterised by wide expanses of flowering apricot trees.
 
The description of the specification for the registration as PDO is to be found in the Austrian Patent Office. (National application No: 1233-GR/95)
 
Key words
Food and Agriculture, Traditional Knowledge, Austria, Lower Austria, region, Wachau, apricot, Wachauer Marille
 
Bibliogrphy/ References
Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92. Application for Registration: Art 17, PDO (National application No:1233-GR/95).
Eppel, F. Die Wachau, Nibelungen- und Strudengau. Band 2. Verlag St. Peter Reinhard Dippelreither. Wachauer Marille. 1989 Pichler Verlag. ISBN: 3854311621
http://www.defra.gov.uk/
www.wachauermarille.at 
www.genuss-region.at 
 
Language code
German
 
Product of www.genuss-region.at 
yes
 
Regional contact 
Wachauer Marille Verein zum Schutz der Wachauer Marille
Obmann Franz Reisinger
3620 Spitz/ Niederösterreich; Mitterndorf Nr. 1
Tel.: 02713 2855
e-mail: info@obsthof-reisinger.at 
www.wachauermarille.at
 
Authors: Mag. Eva Sommer, Dr. Erhard Höbaus
 
* revised version in preparation
 

08.01.2010, Lebensministerium III/4