Ceviche

You can use almost any firm-fleshed fish for this Spanish influenced dish, provided that it is perfectly fresh. The fish is 'cooked' by the action of the acidic lime juice. Adjust the amount of chilli according to your taste.

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb halibut, turbot, sea bass or salmon fillets, skinned
Juice of 3 limes
1-2 fresh red chillies, seeded and very finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt

For the garnish

4 large firm tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
1 ripe advocado, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves

Preparation

Cut the fish into strips measuring about 2 x 1/2 inch. Lay these in a shallow dish and pour over the lime juice, turning the fish strips to coat them all over in the juice. Cover with a clear film (plastic wrap) and leave for 1 hour.

Mix all the garnish ingredients, except the coriander, together. Set aside.

Season the fish with salt and scatter over the chillies. Drizzle with the oil, Toss the fish in the mixture, then replace the cover. Leave to marinate in the fridge for 15-30 minutes more.

To serve, divide the garnish among six plates. Spoon the ceviche, sprinkle with coriander, and serve.

Best with...

Morgadio AlbariÃ±o 2005

Region: Rias Baixas - Rating: 90 - 'Vibrant'

COMPOSITION: 100% AlbariÃ±o grapes.

TASTING NOTES: "Greenish-straw color. Vibrant, mineral bouquet of wet stone, acacia flower, honeysuckle, lime and lemon zest, grapefruit and green apple. Racy, exuberant citrus and fresh fig flavors show good lift and a stony, mouthwatering quality. This has impressive length and energy, with a finish that won't let up. Another superb wine from this consistently topnotch producer. (Classical Wines From Spain, Seattle, WA) 90 points" -Steven Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Txomin Etxaniz - Txacoli (ChacolÃ) 2004

REGION: Txacoli de Guetaria - 'The benchmark of fresh white chacolÃ..'

COMPOSITION: 75% Hondarribi Zuri, 25% Hondarribi Beltza ( red-skinned variety)

TASTING NOTES: *The Basque Country's fresh, white wine, called txakoli on home ground and chacolÃ elsewhere in Spain , is produced in the Region's three provinces. The DO, which encompasses the growing area in the province of Guipuzcoa (Gipuzkoa), is called Getariako Txakolina in Basque.

Bodegas Muga - Blanco - 2005

Region: Rioja - Rating: 89 - 'impressive, dry, elegantly-styled'

COMPOSITION: 90% Viura, 10% Malvasia

TASTING NOTES: "The beautiful 2005 Muga Blanco is a modern-styled white composed of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia, all aged four months in French oak. This impressive, dry, elegantly-styled Rioja offers scents of honeysuckle, citrus oil, white currants, and flowers. 89 points." --Robert M. Parker, Jr. 'The Wine Advocate'