Osborne Wine- Full of bull  by Darryl Beeson The most recognizable product icon in Spain is the Osborne (os-bor-nay) bull. Far surpassing the Burma Shave signs of now vanished American highway routes, this 40 foot high dramatic black silhouette of a menacing bull has a remarkable story. The image, designed by Manolo Prieto in 1956 multiplied across the Spanish countryside to over 500 bulls by 1964.  In1988, a law was enacted in Spain to ban any advertising that is visible from public highways. An outcry of "save the bull" quickly followed. In 1997, the Spanish Supreme Court ruled that this billboard of a bull was cherished landscape more so than an advertisement. Osborne & Cia has full rights to this icon. Some of the icon’s verve pours forth from the Osborne wines and specialized sherries.  Osborne "Solaz", Malpica de Tajo, Spain 2001  Price $9  Rating 89  The soft, delightful red is perfect for pairing with all sorts of food. The grape blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon yields a more New World flavor profile. The nose is honest and direct, with all manner of red fruit aromas. Not burdened with excessive oak flavors, the easy to like fruit flavors carry through in the sip.  Winemaker Cesar Fernandez boasts that he "strives to produce a wine that exhibits the character of Spain...rich and bold without sacrificing acidity." Acidity in wine is harder to achieve in warmer climates. This acid component to the balance of the wine is crucial for successful food pairings. The winemaker suggests pairing this subtle red with lamb sausage, pasta, cheese and even grilled salmon.  Osborne Fino Sherry, NV Spain  Price $8  Rating 90  Osborne is likely the best value in Sherry, especially the very dry fino. The fresh aroma and straw-like light color make the glass very inviting. Subtle nut and fruit flavors make this wonderful value an excellent aperitif wine, served very chilled. Serve with roasted nuts, thinly sliced Spanish ham, black olives or lusty grilled meats.  The family owned company of Osborne was founded in 1772 by a young Englishman from Exeter (Devonshire county) Thomas Osborne Mann. He ventured to Andalusia with the goal of crafting great wines. The rest is history. To learn more, visit www.osbornesolaz.com.  For more great wine suggestions, click here Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions? Email: jwdineline@aol.com Copyright © 1998 Inter Active Media Solutions. All Rights Reserved. The interactive components of this site require that you use a current browser version of Explorer; be sure to maximize your window out so you can see the entire page. This page was created by Inter Active Media Solutions.