Saturday Kitchen’s wine expert HELEN McGINN reveals the trick to choosing the best bottle in the supermarket without spending a fortune – and the crisps she always chases her drinks with

What’s your favourite olive oil?

Planeta Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is from a winery in Sicily (£12.20 for 500ml, greatwine.co.uk). It’s organic, cold-pressed oil, made from the big fat green Nocellara olives, which makes it really grassy and peppery. It’s absolutely delicious.

Coffee brand you rate?

My supermarket one is the Tesco Finest Fair Trade Colombian Supremo Ground Coffee (£4.30, tesco.com). It’s only three on the coffee-strength scale but, because it’s smooth, it doesn’t have the bitterness that some of the other supermarket coffees have.

Top spot for drinks with a view?

A few weeks ago, I was at a winery called The Grange in Hampshire, sipping a glass of one of their sparkling wines called The White From Black (see below). We were sitting in the vineyard, overlooking the Itchen Valley on a beautiful sunny day, and honestly, I thought I’d just died and gone to heaven. It was so special.

Condiment that improves any meal?

Maille Dijon mayonnaise (£3.25, Tesco). It has a winning combination of creaminess with a hit of mustard. A big dollop of it with roast chicken is my go-to in summer.

Restaurant you want to return to?

Captain Spiros, a taverna on the Greek island Antipaxos. The restaurant is right there on the beach and they cook the fish in front of you over coals. It’s really simple, but so delicious.

Top tip for choosing supermarket wine?

Whichever supermarket you’re in, go for an own-label brand that’s slightly smarter than the average, like Tesco Finest, Co-op Irresistible, or Waitrose No.1. They’re not charging a huge premium like a brand, but you’re spending a little bit more for a big step up in quality.

Favourite butter?

Président French Unsalted Block Butter (£3.65, Sainsbury’s), spread thickly on fresh baguettes, reminds me of holidays in France. Waitrose also does its own French butter with sea salt crystals (£3.50) and it is heavenly.

Top spot for a takeaway coffee?

Bellord and Brown (bellordandbrown.co.uk), my local deli in Beaulieu, serves coffee from a local roaster in Bournemouth called Bad Hand Coffee Company. I have a cappuccino and a cinnamon bun.

Your favourite crisps?

Co-op’s Irresistible Sea Salt & Chardonnay Wine Vinegar Crisps (see above). When you’ve been wine tasting all day, the only thing that your palate craves is some crunch and salt, and these are perfect.

Bougiest thing in your store cupboard?

Mama Yu’s Original Chilli Oil (see below). It’s Malaysian Chinese chilli oil made by a mother and daughter team. I’ve got three teens who love hot sauce on everything – so this is like gold dust in the house. I order mine online, but you have to be quick because they make it in batches and it sells out quickly.

Best ready meal?

I’ve recently discovered Angela Hartnett’s new pasta range in Waitrose, and the Lasagna Al Forno (£12.95) is absolutely brilliant. I’m not sure I’ll bother making my own again! She also does a Semi-Dried Tomato Focaccia (£4.25), which is divine.

Cheese of choice?

Tunworth (£12.90 for 250g, nealsyarddairy.co.uk) because I’m a Hampshire dweller, born and bred. It’s basically the nearest thing to British camembert. It’s so delicious.

Favourite UK restaurant?

I am very lucky that I live down the road from Hartnett Holder & Co at Lime Wood in the New Forest. It’s amazing food and a beautiful setting. It has a lovely seasonal menu – at the moment they’ve got stuffed zucchini flowers with British ricotta, which is delicious.

Secret ingredient?

Put a dash of Fino sherry in your Bloody Mary. It adds a gorgeous umami savouriness that will bring it alive.

The Supermarket Wine Guide by Helen McGinn is published by Ebury, £14. To order a copy for £12.74 until 23 August, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over £25. 

Follow Helen on Instagram @knackeredmother