Location and landscape
Ohlsbach extends from the Kinzig floodplain and the lower terrace along the Ohlsbach valley to the north-east as far as the source of the valley. The municipality belongs to the natural regional units of the Offenburg Rhine Plain, the valleys of the Northern Black Forest and the Central Black Forest. The elevation profile ranges from about 158.3 to 668.3 metres. The village lies in the front section of the valley on the alluvial fan of the Ohlsbach.
Geology and microclimate
The lower slopes at the valley exit are covered with loess and loess loam. Further up the valley, granite occurs, with partly porphyry-like dykes. The front Kinzig valley is influenced by the cool Kinzig valley night wind, which, in combination with high temperatures, shapes a local microclimate.
Viticulture in Ohlsbach
The loess-covered slopes at the mouth of the Ohlsbach valley are planted with orchards and vineyards. Before the phylloxera epidemic, about 100 winegrowers in Ohlsbach cultivated more than 90 hectares of vines. In the Baden wine-growing region, Ohlsbach belongs to the Ortenau area and the single site Kinzigtäler. In the Ortenau, Riesling and Spätburgunder are among the leading grape varieties.
Classification in terms of winegrowing
Baden is Germany’s only wine-growing region in EU Wine Zone B. For quality and predicate wines, higher minimum must weights apply there than in other German wine-growing regions.
Historical development
Ohlsbach was first mentioned around 1235. From 1402 onwards, the place belonged to the town of Gengenbach; in 1803 it became part of Baden and in 1806 it was separated from Gengenbach.
