Small sardines, or xoubas as they’re known in Galicia, are a seriously good little fish. Small in size but big on flavour, these are tender, oily and wonderfully savoury, with the rich character you want from a quality sardine without the heaviness that can sometimes come with larger fish. La Narval packs up to 12 small sardines per tin, first cooking them in seawater before allowing them to rehydrate in the olive oil.
 
They’re superb simply served on toast, perhaps with a little tomato or roasted pepper, but they also make a brilliant tapas ingredient. Try them with good crusty bread, a few pickled peppers and a glass of something cold. This is the sort of tin that demonstrates just how good simple conservas can be.
 
Wine pairing: A crisp Godello from Galicia, or an Australian Vermentino from McLaren Vale.
 
La Narval was established in 1966 in the Ría de Arousa, an area renowned for its delicious Spanish seafood. The picturesque factory features a private dock, which enables the company to receive freshly caught seafood daily. Since its inception, the company has followed its founder's traditional methods of fish and seafood preservation, ensuring that the unique taste of their products is preserved. The company has evolved with the latest technology, delivering the essence of the sea straight to customers' kitchens.