Location and landscape
Erlenbach is located in the eastern part of the district of Heilbronn in Baden-Württemberg, in the natural region of Weinsberger Tal and thus in the wine-growing region Württemberg. The Sulm runs through the municipal area from the south-east to the north-west. It extends from the slopes of Schemelsberg and Stiftsberg through the Sulm and Erlenbach valleys as far as the Sulm hill country.
Elevation and geology
At approximately 319 metres, the Kayberg is the highest named elevation in Erlenbach; the lowest point lies on the border with Neckarsulm at about 155 metres. The higher areas of the Kayberg and Sommerberg consist of shell sand, while gypsum Keuper forms the subsoil of large parts of the municipal area. In the Sulm valley, loess occurs particularly.
Viticulture
The Weinsberger Tal is regarded as a landscape area that is favourable for winegrowing. Erlenbach has around 240 hectares of vineyard area, located mainly on gypsum Keuper slopes, but also on loess and shell sand sites. Viticulture on the Kayberg shapes the municipality; vines also grow on the slopes of the Stiftsberg. Grape varieties grown in Erlenbach include Riesling, Trollinger and Lemberger.
History and designation of origin
Winegrowing in Erlenbach and Binswangen is first documented for the year 1130. The present-day municipality was formed on 1 April 1935 through the incorporation of the previously independent municipality of Binswangen. The Erlenbach register is included in the protected designation of origin Württemberg, for which a maximum yield of 110 hectolitres per hectare is provided, along with the storage of surplus up to a further 20 per cent.
