olivemagazine

Best bean-to-cup coffee machines to buy 2022

2022-08-31T14:10:48Z

For anyone who derives more pleasure from drinking a freshly brewed cup of coffee than the process of making it, speedy bean-to-cup coffee machines are the perfect coffee gadgets.

They take the effort-factor away, offering automation at every stage from the grinding of whole beans to dosing, tamping and brewing. A broad range of settings to tailor your coffee are usually on offer. Some can even be connected to wirelessly and controlled via smart home devices or a smartphone app, so you don’t even have to be in the kitchen to set a cup to brew.

The technology behind this type of offering means these machines are usually large and pricey. But don’t be intimidated. We’ve broken down the differences between bean-to-cup machines vs espresso machines. We walk you through what to look for and share our tried-and-tested top picks of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines below.

For more coffee reviews, check out our full guide to the best coffee machines featuring picks of the best espresso machines and the best coffee pod machines. We’ve tried and tested a variety to give you the best results for what you need and are always on the look out for the best coffee machine deals to bring you a bargain. Or for a little inspiration, discover the best coffee subscriptions and the best gifts for coffee lovers. Make your own homemade coffee syrup using our step-by-step recipe and discover more advice and buyer’s guides on everything from the top British gins to the best English vineyard breaks in our reviews section.

Treat yourself to the full experience and serve your coffee in one of our favourite espresso cups and coffee mugs.

Jump to section:

Best bean-to-cup coffee machines at a glance
What’s the difference between bean-to-cup coffee machines and espresso machines?
How to choose the best bean-to-cup coffee machine
Best bean-to-cup coffee machines
What to look for
How we tested bean-to-cup coffee machines

Best bean-to-cup machines at a glance

Best for contemporary style: Smeg BCC02 bean-to-cup coffee machine, £649.95

Best affordable bean-to-cup espresso machine: Breville Barista Max £449

Best large capacity bean-to-cup coffee machine: Gaggia Cadorna Plus, £750

Best bean-to-cup espresso machine: Sage Oracle Touch espresso machine £2,099.95

Best smart bean-to-cup coffee machine: Smarter Coffee Machine £179

Best mid-range bean-to-cup coffee machine: Delonghi La Specialista Maestro bean-to-cup coffee machine £999.99

Best for adjustable aroma intensity: Gaggia Magenta Plus £599

What’s the difference between bean-to-cup coffee machines and espresso machines?

Traditional semi-automatic espresso machines encourage the building of basic barista skills and require a more hands-on approach to loading portafilters and using pre-ground coffee.

In contrast, the best bean-to-cup coffee machines are fully automated, freshly grinding whole beans to bring you a cup of coffee at the touch of a button, with opportunities to personalise the cups. The outlay cost with a bean-to-cup machine will be higher but balanced by the time and effort saved to achieve a great cup every time.

How to choose the best bean-to-cup espresso machine

Within the bean-to-cup world there are a couple of machine types, but all share the fundamental element of having a bean compartment and grinder.

Top tip: store your coffee beans in an airtight container and only top up the hopper with what you need. This will keep the beans’ flavour fresher and give you better flexibility over switching up the beans.

Bean-to-cup espresso machines: these focus on producing espresso; short shots of intense coffee brewed under pressure. This forms the fundamental element to many coffee house classics.
Bean-to-cup coffee machines: in addition to making espresso, these could include filter systems for making drip coffee and can come with glass carafes, measuring coffee in cups rather than single and double espressos.
Manual bean-to-cup: this type combines automation with a hands-on experience, leaving the fun bits for you to do. For example, loading and locking the portafilter and frothing the milk.
Automatic bean-to-cup: quite simply, once you’ve selected the drink you want, the machine does the rest.

Best bean-to-cup coffee machines to buy in 2022

Smeg BCC02 bean-to-cup coffee machine

Score: 5/5 stars

Best bean-to-cup for contemporary style

Known for its large white goods and statement kitchen staples, Smeg has a strong reputation for making efficient and stylish appliances, like its ECF01 espresso machine. The brand’s first-ever bean-to-cup coffee machine doesn’t deviate from this, carrying the same iconic design and curved lines without dominating kitchen space.

It’s the smallest bean-to-cup on test, simply offering four control buttons and eight selectable functions, a steam wand rather than an internal milk tank, and a dial for adjusting the grind level from its coffee bean store. The steam wand angles outwards for use in mugs, cups or glass jugs. The coffee produced is packed with flavour. We want one in our own kitchens. Read our full Smeg BCC02 bean-to-cup coffee machine review.

Breville Barista Max

Score: 4.5/5 stars

Best affordable bean-to-cup espresso machine

The price-point of this Breville means it sits at the more affordable end of the spectrum when it comes to bean-to-cup espresso machines. It’s also one of the most compact, requiring little set up beyond the attachment of its bean hopper.

Most of the trimmings of a professional barista espresso machine accompany it, with a stainless steel milk jug included, along with a multitude of cleaning tools. The effective milk steaming wand is easy to use. All in all, it’s excellent value for money. Read our full Breville Barista Max review.

Gaggia Cadorna Style Plus

Score: 4/5 stars

Best large capacity bean-to-cup coffee machine

Made in Italy, the Gaggia Cadorna Plus is a step up from the Magenta model featured below, in both size and functionality. It’s unmistakably Gaggia, carrying the red lines and chrome highlights that define the brand’s statement look while offering a large 1.5L water tank that’s loaded from the front and a wide screen interface with tactile buttons for selecting its six preset coffees.

Its internal ceramic burr grinders were surprisingly quiet during use. The milk steaming wand is a manual, stainless steel Pannarello design that dispenses hot water for teas or long coffees in addition to steam for frothing and heating milk. The option to adjust the aroma intensity of the espresso and create a tailored coffee-based drink is an interesting function not often seen on bean-to-cup machines, and refers to the quantity of ground coffee per cup – great for espresso aficionados but something that also felt a bit unnecessary.

De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro bean-to-cup coffee machine

Score: 5/5 stars

Best mid-range bean-to-cup coffee machine

This De’Longhi is incredibly suave, designed with elegance and in mind of counter-top storage. It packs 19-bars of pressure into its stainless steel outer.

The coffee grinding is all done automatically depending on the filter basket you load and it also offers ‘smart tamping’ to help you achieve even compression of the grounds. A real stand-out was its pre-infusion capabilities, which varies depending on the coffee function selected and density of its coffee dose. The result was a short and darkly moreish coffee shot adorned with flavourful crema. Read our full De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro review.

Smarter Coffee Machine

Score: 5/5 stars

Best smart bean-to-cup coffee machine

This is not an espresso machine, it works in large four-cup quantities minimum and brews its cups through a reusable filter. The quantity equates to 500ml and therefore, two large mugs of coffee. The design is sleek, modern and deceptively simple, offering control over start, bean/filter and coffee strength by button.

The USP of this model lies in the modernity of its technology, being smart-home compatible with devices like Amazon Alexa and can be controlled via the Smart 3.0 app. The design is also customizable: the machine arrived with three interchangeable front panels in black, white and grey. Read our full Smarter Coffee Machine review.

Sage Oracle Touch espresso machine

Score: 5/5 stars

Best bean-to-cup espresso machine

This Sage is a premium example of a manual bean-to-cup coffee machine which combines automated pre-sets with sophisticated personalisation features. There are 11 total pre-sets on offer, plus the option to save your own tailored coffee presets for ease. Depending on the filter basket you’ve loaded, this machine automatically grinds and doses the coffee.

The grind and dose of coffee are adjustable per drink, as is milk froth temperature and level. A stainless steel jug is provided for this. Whilst it is an investment price, this machine fulfils the fundamental requirements of producing a great cup every time, whilst giving you room to personalise the coffee. Read our full Sage Oracle Touch espresso machine review.

Gaggia Magenta Plus bean-to-cup coffee machine

Available from Gaggia Direct (£589)

Score: 4/5 stars

Best bean-to-cup machine for adjustable aroma intensity

The Gaggia Magenta is an elegant, statement machine complete with a professional milk steamer wand and 250g bean hopper capacity. Within its espresso function, the coffee temperature, quantity and grind-sizes were all adjustable.

The two-cup setting split the espresso slightly unevenly between the two cups but quality-wise, the espresso is richly flavourful and topped with silky crema. There’s a professional-grade milk steam wand with a 45-degree range of movement. It also arrives with a 500g bag of Gaggia Intenso coffee beans which is a nice touch to get you started. Read our full Gaggia Magenta Plus review.

Available from Gaggia (£589) and Gaggia UK Direct (£589)

What to look for from a bean-to-cup coffee machine

Adjustable grind level: the grind size of coffee affects the coffee’s flavour and intensity, so can be changed to best suit the type you like best. For example, espressos fare best with finely ground coffee, whereas filter coffee requires a medium-coarse grind.

Duo-drip trays: this not only means that cups and mugs of different sizes can be accommodated, but that traditional espresso cups are supported to catch the liquid without splashes; therefore protecting the important crema layer.

Milk frother: not all bean-to-cup coffee machines offer an integrated milk frother system, so if you like milky coffee classics best, look out for automatic frother systems or a milk steamer wand. If you want to get a separate one, we’ve tried and tested the best milk frothers here.

Ground coffee option: if you run out of whole beans but have a bag of ground coffee to hand, having ground-coffee adaptability comes in very handy.

Efficient grinders: whether ceramic or burr, bean grinders should be quick and efficient, so even when they’re loud, the noise is short-lived. Looking for a separate grinder to get the best results for your beans? Try our tried and tested coffee grinders.

Intuitive interface: when there are so many elements of an espresso to adjust, simple functions and settings should be easy to navigate and keep experimenting fun.

Programmable drink options: once you’ve found the perfect combination of grind-size, brew temperature and aroma intensity for your taste, it’s great to be able to save presets so your favourite coffee can be returned to easily.

Dual bean compartments: some machines offer containers for different bean intensities to be kept. Usually it’s for dark and light roast beans, but if you’ve a family member who only drinks decaf, one space can be utilised for those.

How we tested bean-to-cup coffee machines

All the bean-to-cup coffee machines featured in this review were the best performing appliances from a longlist of 10. All were tested in controlled conditions using whole roasted Columbian coffee beans, and scored out of five against standardised criterion, including:

Performance: the flavour, aroma and temperature of the coffee needed to be enjoyable, so every coffee and espresso function was tested to assess this. Bitterness, acidity or weakness were scored down.

Value for money: performance and versatility play into this one. These appliances may be one of the largest investments you make for your kitchen, so the price must feel right.

Ease of use: all were scored from unboxing, so they had to be simple to unpack with easy-to-follow instructions. When the variety of settings is so broad, intuitive controls make the experience fun. Everything from milk-wand range of motion to adjustable drip trays and access for refilling the water tank and bean hoppers were considered.

Convenience: is one of the biggest selling points for buying a bean-to-cup espresso machine, so excessive complication affected scoring.

Quantity of materials: flimsy build-materials don’t warrant a high price tag and make things difficult to clean. They also affect the longevity of an appliance’s life.

Design and aesthetic for keeping on the countertop: bean-to-cup machines are generally very deep and broad, so a good design plays into this.

The average scores out of five decided each product’s overall star rating. The additional criteria played into our decision making.

Variety of functions
Kitchen footprint
Ease of cleaning
Advanced features
Packaging

Want to learn more about becoming an expert at-home barista? Read our guides here:

Celeste Wong’s guide to becoming an overnight coffee expert
Celeste Wong’s guide on how to make iced coffee
Celeste Wong’s best moka pots
Celeste Wong’s best coffee grinders
Celeste Wong’s best gooseneck kettles to try
Celeste Wong’s best decaf coffee to try
Celeste Wong’s best reusable and compostable espresso pods
Celeste Wong’s best coffee beans to try
Celeste Wong’s best cafetières to buy
Celeste Wong’s best coffee bags
Best coffee pod machines
Best espresso machines

For coffee gifts and accessory guides, read on:

Best coffee gifts
Best coffee mugs
Best coffee subscriptions
Best coffee gadgets and accessories
Best Nespresso machines

How 13 UK restaurants are giving back to the community

2022-08-31T11:06:44Z

Pandemics change societies and Covid-19 created a new atmosphere in hospitality. The charitable feats of lockdown opened the industry’s eyes to the positive impact restaurants can have in communities, and renewed focus on those kitchens which, as well as serving us thrilling food, also push for progressive social change. This is olive’s salute to those restaurants nourishing wider society – call it food for good.

13 UK restaurants giving back to the community

1. Open Kitchen, Manchester

This café-bar at the People’s History Museum is best known for intercepting potential waste food, producing a modish, small-plates menu featuring Vietnamese rolls, mozzarella arancini and mushroom tarts with confit garlic. From wage rates (Living Wage Foundation and above), to buying minimal meat, Open Kitchen and its catering arm seeks to make sustainable decisions at all levels, says founder Corin Bell: “Every time you spend money you’re voting for or against something.” Corin is also adamant that everyone deserves to eat sustainable food, not just wealthier, middle-class foodies. To that end, this not-for-profit social enterprise is involved in numerous projects, ranging from an affordable, hyper-local South Manchester café aimed at older local residents, to providing meals for families in temporary housing, who often “barely have a kettle and microwave”. “To get sustainability taken seriously we need to mainstream [it],” says Corin, which includes making “nutritious food accessible to people on low incomes”. Small plates, £3.50-£6; openkitchenmcr.co.uk

2. The Pony Chew Valley, Bristol

Chef Josh Eggleton is re-evaluating the role his restaurants play in society: “I’ve spent 16 years making great restaurants. Now I want to extend their reach and help people.” That means people in acute need (Josh co-ordinates several schemes that use hospitality’s skills to alleviate food poverty) but also anyone keen to help build a sustainable food system: growing food, cooking it, and associated crafts. In September, Josh’s flagship venue, The Pony Chew Valley (previously, the Michelin-starred Pony & Trap), will reopen as an events venue and limited-services restaurant, the revenue from which will support its work as a community learning hub. The Pony will, for example, offer cookery lessons and gardening courses (some free or subsidised), where groups can learn about food and cooking or horticulture as they tend the garden and micro-farm with a complimentary lunch. In a scheme dubbed Nourish, Josh’s restaurants, such as the Kensington Arms, and Root, are also offering free meals to people who might benefit, via partner charities. “Community engagement,” says Josh, “is now the top priority.” theponychewvalley.co.uk

3. Cue Point, London

#bbqforthemanynotthefew is the rallying cry at Mursal Saiq and Joshua Moroney’s British-Afghan BBQ kitchen, based at The Duck & Ball pub in Chiswick’s lush Dukes Meadows. By using halal meats on its brisket buns or offering vegan options such as Sunday’s celeriac roast, Cue Point is operationally inclusive and attracts an unusually diverse crowd of hipsters, multi-gen families, BBQ geeks, local sports teams and vegan students. “We can sit together,” says Mursal, “share a table, a meal, a conversation.” Meanwhile, Cue Point Kitchen, its social outreach arm, is beginning to work with marginalised young people keen to work in hospitality. It is also offering training (English language, financial management, catering) that might help immigrants and newly settled refugees – a cause close to Mursal’s heart after her family escaped civil war in 1990s Afghanistan. Meals from around £10; cue-point.co.uk

4. Social Pantry Café, London

With its zero-waste pesto and a breakfast bap of scrambled egg and Lincolnshire Poacher dressed with “rescued green tomato ketchup”, this hip Battersea brunch spot clearly operates sustainably. And with people, too. As a business, Social Pantry – which comprises multiple venues and a high-end event catering arm – provides support and training to ex-offenders, with around 10% of its employees being former prisoners. Imminently, Social Pantry will also launch a new staff canteen at HMP Feltham, a young offender institution, as a training environment for prisoners (similar in its aims to prison restaurant charity, The Clink; theclinkcharity.org). “Ex-offenders are often considered different and a risk to employ – an attitude that must be changed,” says Social Pantry founder Alex Head. “As a result of time in prison, ex-offenders are grateful for a second chance. They’re ambitious and determined.” Weekend brunch, £6.50-£11.75; socialpantry.co.uk

5. The Breakfast Club, across Southern England

At sites in London, Oxford and Brighton, community outreach is woven into this all-day breakfast brand. Outside of finessing its pancakes, french toast or buttermilk fried chicken and waffles, TBC has also been busy focussing on proactive, socially inclusive recruitment among several groups that struggle with employment opportunities, while supporting charities by offering space for events where TBC staff work as paid volunteers. These can range from karaoke for pensioners to catering for and marching at London Pride with Opening Doors, an LGBTQ+ charity for the over-50s. “A lot comes under our Young at Heart banner,” explains spokesperson Zoe Franklin, “helping to reduce loneliness in older communities.” TBC partners with Age UK at several sites and its menu offers 50% off to over-65s: “We give staff support to help others, to donate spaces and time; a cuppa, a chat.” Meals from £9; thebreakfastclubcafes.com

Further inspiring ways chefs and restaurants are reaching out to enrich lives and communities:

6. Rola Wala, Leeds

Indian street food brand involved in the One Feeds Two scheme, meaning every naan roll sold covers the cost of a meal for a child in poverty – 723,678 so far. rolawala.com

7. Luminary Bakery, London

Its cafés in Hackney and Camden support the Luminary charity, which offers long-term independence and employability training to disadvantaged women. Sadly, with both female unemployment and domestic violence rising during the pandemic, says founder Alice Williams: “There’s a growing need for our work.” luminarybakery.com

8. Kerb, London

A new social enterprise arm of Kerb, which organises street food events, helps marginalised unemployed people find work and hosts free courses, workshops, mentoring for others, such as refugees settled in the UK, to help potentially launch street food businesses. kerbfood.com

9. Wedgwood, Edinburgh

Chef-owner Paul Wedgwood teaches cooking skills in schools and has even taken nursery school children foraging. “It’s important to get in at the grassroots, to get them enthusiastic about food and provenance. Children love being outside in nature – foraging was a natural progression.” wedgwoodtherestaurant.co.uk

10. Tatale, London

Akwasi Brenya-Mensa’s newly launched pan-African restaurant plans to roll out a training and mentorship scheme for aspiring black hospitality professionals. This will include a supper club incubator, where budding black restaurateurs can sharpen their skills and test their ideas. tataleandco.com

11. Grounded, Manchester

An award-winning, sustainable mobile-trike-cum-store selling great coffee and cake (mainly in Levenshulme) that provides work and support for people overcoming anxiety and depression. Look out for Grounded’s incoming, ultra-green community café and allotment, housed in a repurposed bus won from Transport for Greater Manchester. groundedmcr.co.uk

12. The Landing, Stockport

Every Friday, this urban allotment atop the Merseyway shopping centre welcomes volunteer gardeners who are fed at the venues it serves: restaurant Where the Light Gets In or deli-bakery Yellowhammer. The plan is The Landing will evolve into a community space for creative and horticulture learning. wtlgi.co

13. Dusty Knuckle, London

This acclaimed bakery, café and pizza joint in Harringay mentors young people trying to get past a criminal record or long-term unemployment. thedustyknuckle.com

Best pans for pancakes

2022-08-31T09:20:15Z

A good recipe only goes half way to making a good pancake… a decent pan is equally important. Without one you may never produce a thin, lacy, perfect pancake. What you’re looking for is a pan that doesn’t have any hot spots, is non-stick and is a reasonable size. Remember not to use too much fat and to keep the pan nice and hot.

Generally speaking, a heavy non-stick frying pan about 16cm across is best. Heat the pan over a steady medium heat then just before you add the batter brush lightly with melted butter. You can use a pastry brush or just a piece of kitchen paper dipped in the butter.

Pour a little batter in the pan and tilt the pan so the batter coats the bottom. Leave the pancake until you start to see tiny bubbles appearing on the uncooked surface.

Best pancake pans to buy

All products have been chosen and reviewed independently by our editorial experts. This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a small commission for purchases made, but this comes at no extra cost to you and helps us to continue providing top-quality content for our loyal readers.

Discover 22 easy pancake recipes to make with your new pan!

Best pans for flipping pancakes

GreenPan Mini Frying Pan

The GreenPan frying pan has a Thermalon ceramic coating that is non-stick and can be heated to very high temperatures. It conducts heat well (so no hot spots) and, if you like to flip your pancakes, the sloped edge will help do just that (20cm, 24cm and 28cm sizes are available).

Eaziglide 25cm Non-Stick Pancake Pan

The Eaziglide pan comes with a lifetime guarantee and is a very versatile option, being dishwasher- and oven-safe up to 260C and suitable for all stove tops.

The combination of its damage-resistant, non-stick and shallow lip features means this pan is made for flipping pancakes.

Best pancake pans for a bit of fun

Tefal pan illustrated with a sausage dog

How cool is this illustrated Tefal pan? It’s called ‘pancake art’, and we’re totally behind it.

Just wait until the pan is at cooking temperature (indicated by the Thermospot turning bold red), draw the outline in batter so it has time to brown, then fill in the gaps with the rest of your pancake mixture. There’s also an enamel, glossy illustration of your sausage dog on the pan’s base, so it looks cute, too.

Available from:
Ocado (£20)

Smiley Faces Pancake Pan

This cast aluminium pan with a non-stick coating is perfect for making pancakes that will make you smile.

It is not suitable for induction hobs but if you have a ceramic, gas or electric stove top you can make six mini pancakes perfect for stacking and smothering with your favourite toppings.

Best non-stick pancake pan

MasterClass Eco Induction Pan

For the eco-conscious, this MasterClass pan is chemical-free, coated with a ceramic non-stick designed to release pancakes without them needing persuasion with a spatula. Suitable for all stove tops, it also comes with a 15-year guarantee.

Best budget pancake pans

Colourworks non-stick Crêpe Pan

Cheap and cheerful, this crêpe pan by Colourworks comes in a variety of colours and a two-year non-stick lifespan. Not a fan of washing up? Just pop it in the dishwasher when you’re finished.

Vogue Black Iron Crêpe Pan

This is a small and simple pan that has a black iron composition that evenly distributes heat for perfect pancakes. Season it before use with a little coat of oil and get flipping.

Best French crêpe pan

De Buyer blue steel crêpe pan

If you want a pan that looks the part, and is very reasonably priced, then a De Buyer blue steel crêpe pan is the one for you. It’s French and they know a thing or two about crêpes.

Heavy duty, it will work on all hobs and happily go into the oven. Iron retains heat well, so it won’t behave like a lighter non-stick pan, meaning you’ll have to keep an eye on the crêpe. Plus you’ll have to season it and look after it, but it should last you a lifetime.

Be warned though, if you choose a 20cm pan the actual base measurement is smaller, so you’ll end up with neat, petite pancakes. Choose a 24cm pan for bigger crêpes.

Best pancake pans to invest in for longterm use

Scanpan’s Titanium Classic Omelette/Crêpe pan

This pan has a low edge and slight slope to the sides, making it very easy to handle. And at 25cm across it’s perfectly sized for big pancakes.

It’s dishwasher-safe, works on most types of hob (though not induction) and you can even put it in the oven. It isn’t cheap but you’ll use it all the time.

Staub Pancake Pan

Staub’s enamelled cast-iron pancake pan is specifically designed for flipping thin pancakes and crêpes, distributing heat evenly across its 28cm diameter by sitting flat and low across the heat source.

It’s also suitable for any type of cooker, including induction hobs.

How to make the best pancakes

Generally speaking, a heavy, non-stick frying pan about 16cm across is best. Heat the pan over a medium heat then, just before you add the batter, brush lightly with melted butter – use a pastry brush or a piece of kitchen paper dipped in the butter.

Pour just enough batter into the pan and tilt so that it coats the base. Leave the pancake to cook until you start to see tiny bubbles appearing on the top.

Top tips for making the perfect pancake every time

Preheat the pan to maximise its non-stick properties
Lightly grease the pan before use
Using a folded paper towel, wipe the pan clean of any left-over residue and lightly grease again before adding more batter

Our best pancake recipes

Now the pan is sorted, it’s time to get flipping! Discover our brilliant pancake recipes here, featuring vegan, gluten-free and healthy options.

Best supermarket red wines

2022-08-30T14:50:05Z

Looking for the best supermarket red wine? Want to know which red wine to buy? Read on for the best bottles, from malbec to pinot noir…

How we chose the winners

We’re thrilled to announce the results of the olive Supermarket Wine Awards 2022. The olive team chose 20 categories for own-brand and retailer exclusive supermarket wines, covering different styles, occasions and price points. Whether you need budget bottles for everyday drinking, wines to impress at your next dinner party or wallet-friendly fizz to buy by the case for celebrations, we’ve got you covered. The supermarkets were invited to enter one wine per category (so they had to choose carefully). Every wine was blind-tasted by a panel of olive judges (led by olive wine columnist, drinks author and sommelier Kate Hawkings, with Fortnum & Mason drink writer of the year, Henry Jeffreys) and we awarded winner accolades to our favourites. In some categories, where the standard was high, we awarded joint winners. So if you see those labels on your next shop – trust in us. These bottles are brilliant!

Like the sound of our food pairings? You can find all our recipes on olivemagazine.com

Best special occasion red

Next-level red wines for celebrations, birthdays and gifts

WINNER: Waitrose & Partners No 1 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico

Very classy; brambly fruit carried by a savoury pepperiness and a supple, silky texture.

Perfect pairing: Ras el hanout spiced leg of lamb with aubergine pilaf.

Available from Waitrose (£13.99)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Tesco Finest The Trilogy Malbec

Ripe and intense fruit lifted by a charming floral perfume, along with some subtle vanilla and clove spice.

Perfect pairing: Beef bourguignon.

Available from Tesco (£13)

Best budget red

Affordable red wines for everyday drinking — all bottles are £6 or under.

WINNER: Morrisons Chevaliers Saint-Martin Bordeaux

Bargain bordeaux made in the modern style, full of ripe black fruit with a little black pepper and a soft, elegant finish.

Perfect pairing: Steak with peppercorn sauce.

Available from Morrisons (£5.19)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Asda Extra Special Old Vine Garnacha

Old vines give concentration of the blackcurrant and sour cherry fruit in this smooth and juicy wine
that’s very easy to like.

Perfect pairing: Mushroom shawarma.

Available from Asda (£5)

Best red to serve chilled

Light-bodied reds served chilled are a great choice for summer suppers and lighter dishes.

WINNER: M&S Tierra Y Hombre Pinot Noir

With a cherry-filled nose, this is juicy and energetic, with a menthol freshness.

Perfect pairing: Duck, mango and watercress salad.

Available from M&S (£7.50)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Morrisons Pinot Noir

Bright, delicate fruits underpinned with herbaceous notes and an elegant, silky texture.

Perfect pairing: Smoked aubergine and pepper salad with pomegranate molasses.

Available from Morrisons (£4.79)

Best unique dinner party red

Impress when you’re entertaining with one of these unusual red wines.

WINNER: Waitrose & Partners Loved & Found Castelão

A great crowd pleaser and fantastic value for money, this is made from the native Portuguese grape castelão; fruity but lifted with layers of orange peel and mountain herbs – and a lovely silky texture.

Perfect pairing: Classic moussaka.

Available from Waitrose (£6.99)

JOINT HIGHLY COMMENDED: M&S Found Alicante Bouschet

Another Portuguese grape from the Alentejo region. This was intense and inky, with notes of currants, clove and cardamom spice, and grippy tannins with bright acidity.

Perfect pairing: Aubergine parmigiana.

Available from M&S (£8)

JOINT HIGHLY COMMENDED: Aldi Athlon Agiorgitiko, £7.

Elegant, plummy fruit with a savoury edge and clean, mineral finish.

Perfect pairing: Grilled marinated octopus.

Available from Aldi (£7.29)

Previous entries

Silver: Tesco Finest Central Otago Pinot Noir, £13

Juicy, earthy, savoury and supple – a very attractive, easy-drinking wine.

Perfect pairing: try our turkey sandwich recipe

Bronze: Waitrose Summer Road Old Vine Grenache, £8.49

Soft and herbaceous, with a silky texture and lush, aromatic red fruit.

Perfect pairing: Try our aubergine parmigiana recipe

Best medium-bodied red

Gold: M&S Found Nerello Cappuccio, £7

A great example of this little-known grape from Sicily; soft and aromatic with floral notes and a fresh, mineral finish.

Perfect pairing: Try our goat’s cheese and beetroot citrus salad

Silver: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Beaujolais Villages Coteaux Granitiques, £9.50

Made from the delicate gamay grape, this has vibrant scents of rose petals and blackcurrants, with a little warming spice.

Perfect pairing: Try our warm aubergine, pomegranate and onion salad

Bronze: Ocado Terreo Malbec £11.99

Plummy fruit, brisk acidity and a touch of clove and vanilla spiciness.

Perfect pairing: Try our roast duck with plums and star anise

Best full-bodied red

From mainstream classics such as malbec to lesser-known nebbiolo

Gold: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Côtes Du Ventoux, £10

Ripe with fresh cherry flavours and nutmeggy spice. Rounded, balanced and very, very gluggable.

Perfect pairing: Try our lamb shank tagine

Silver: Asda Extra Special Carménère, £6.50

Terrific value for this classic carménère, full of peppery black fruits lifted by a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Perfect pairing: Try our beef shin rendang curry

Bronze: Tesco Finest The Trilogy Malbec, £12

Crowd-pleasing malbec – muscular with plummy fruit, spice and a hint of chocolate.

Perfect pairing: Try our perfect steak recipe

Best showstopping red wine

A red wine for when you want to blow the budget

Joint gold: Aldi Châteauneuf-du-Pape, £19.99

An opulent wine – plush, rich and smooth, structured with clove spice and displaying impressive length.

Perfect pairing: Try our venison casserole

Joint gold: Ocado Hacienda Zorita Natural Reserve Syrah Arribes del Duero, £19.99

Concentrated and fruity with fragrant spiced aromas reminiscent of mince pies. Beautiful velvety texture with an elegant, fresh finish.

Perfect pairing: Try our slow-cooked pork, apricot and tamarind stew

Silver: M&S Amarone della Valpolicella, £18

Amarone is made by partially drying the grapes before they’re pressed – this gives extra richness and intensity to the lovely baked black cherries and damson fruitiness.

Perfect pairing: try our mushroom shawarma

Bronze: Asda Extra Special Amarone Della Valpolicella, £16

Very juicy and ripe, with raisiny notes along with stewed autumn fruits and bracing tannins.

Perfect pairing: try our beef wellington

Best new discovery red wine

Joint gold: M&S Found Xinomavro & Mandilaria, £9.50

These two native Greek grapes are blended into this juicy, quaffable wine with exuberant aromas of cherries and eucalyptus.

Perfect pairing: Try with our Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce

Joint gold: Waitrose Terra da Vino Surpass Barbera Passito, £10.79

Warming, velvety, Christmassy fruits, sweet spices and a rich, ripe blackcurrant nose. A silky wine perfect for winter.

Perfect pairing: Try our braised ox cheeks recipe

Silver: Asda Via Vincini Gran Rosso £8

Plush, ripe and silky, with a touch of dried-fruit sweetness and a gentle lick of vanilla.

Perfect pairing: Try our duck and shallots au vin recipe

Bronze: Aldi Greek Agiorgitiko, £10.99

Smooth and opulent but not too heavy, this is lifted by perfumed scents violets and crunchy cranberry fruit.

Perfect pairing: Try our stuffed butternut squash with feta

Best everyday red wine

Affordable yet impressive wines for everyday drinking, under £8

Gold: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Languedoc Red, £7.50

Rippling with ripe black fruits and underpinned with warming spice, this versatile wine is great for winter weekday drinking.

Perfect pairing: Try our Afghani lamb skewers

Silver: Lidl Cepa Lebrel Rioja Crianza, £4.99

Incredible value for this classic rioja, robust with liquorice and black pepper along with elegant dark fruit and supple tannins.

Perfect pairing: Try our salami pizza

Bronze: Asda Extra Special Old Vine Garnacha, £6

Old vines give intensity to the crunchy red fruits in this really appealing wine that finishes with a herbaceous freshness.

Perfect pairing: Try our veggie meatballs recipe

Best supermarket rosé, sustainable and orange wines

2022-08-30T14:00:13Z

Looking for the best supermarket rosé wine? Want to know which rosé or orange wine to buy? Read on for the best bottles, from a variety of price points, then check out our guide to the best rosé and best orange wines from independents. We’ve also got our guide to the best UK natural wine bars and restaurants.

How we chose the winners

We’re thrilled to announce the results of the olive Supermarket Wine Awards 2022. The olive team chose 20 categories for own-brand and retailer exclusive supermarket wines, covering different styles, occasions and price points. Whether you need budget bottles for everyday drinking, wines to impress at your next dinner party or wallet-friendly fizz to buy by the case for celebrations, we’ve got you covered. The supermarkets were invited to enter one wine per category (so they had to choose carefully). Every wine was blind tasted by a panel of olive judges (led by olive wine columnist, drinks author and sommelier Kate Hawkings, with Fortnum & Mason drink writer of the year, Henry Jeffreys) and we awarded winner accolades to our favourites. In some categories, where the standard was high, we awarded joint winners. So if you see those labels on your next shop – trust in us. These bottles are brilliant!

Like the sound of our food pairings? You can find all our recipes on olivemagazine.com

Best summer rosé

Easy-drinking pink wines, perfect for warmer temperatures.

WINNER: Waitrose & Partners Blueprint Côtes de Provence Rosé

Ticks all the boxes for a great summer rosé; bright strawberry and redcurrant fruits with a tangy, saline backbone.

Perfect pairing: Marinated tomato and feta salad.

Available from Waitrose (£8.99)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Aldi Specially Selected DOC Etna Rosé

Packed with pretty peach and raspberry fruit but crisp and very refreshing.

Perfect pairing: Melon and prosciutto.

Available from Aldi in store (£8.99)

Best orange wine

White wines where the grape skins are not removed during fermentation – adding colour, flavour and texture.

WINNER: Waitrose & Partners Macerao Naranjo Orange Wine

A well-balanced orange wine, delicate, floral and slightly honeyed, with flavours and aromas of baked apples, white flowers and gentle spice.

Perfect pairing: Slow-cooked pork, apricot and tamarind stew.

Available from Waitrose (£8.99)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Morrisons Rigal Vin Orange

Full of lovely fruit – think baked quince with grapefruit zestiness – and a gently woody, savoury grip. Perfect pairing: Walnuts, wild rice and winter greens salad.

Available from Morrisons (£10)

Best sustainable wine

Wine with an eco-friendly aspect – from sustainable farming practices to greener packaging.

WINNER: Waitrose & Partners Duchy Organic Pinot Grigio Bag in a Box

Bag-in-box wine has a smaller environment impact than wine in glass bottles. This organic wine is also shipped in bulk for bottling in the UK, further reducing its carbon footprint. A classic fresh pinot grigio; easy drinking with peachy and honeysuckle notes.

Perfect pairing: Eat-your-greens quiche lorraine.

Available from Waitrose (£19.99)

Previous winners

Best light-bodied red

Best Rosé

Gold: Lidl New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Rosé, £6.49

A classic, summery afternoon wine with bags of raspberry fruits and a grassy, thirst-quenching freshness.

Perfect pairing: Try our crab and avocado rolls

Silver: Tesco Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, £7.50

Classic Provencal rosé with subtle sour cherry and strawberry fruitiness, and a crisp, dry finish.

Perfect pairing: Try our grilled paprika langoustines recipe

Bronze: M&S Coteaux Varois en Provence, £9.50

An aromatic, refreshing rosé with soft summer pudding fruit and little white pepper spice.

Perfect pairing: Try our Italian flatbreads with peach, prosciutto and mozzarella

Best orange or natural wine

Wines made with minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery, bottled without fining or filtering. These might include those made with organic and/or biodynamic grapes, skin contact, natural yeasts and little or no added sulphur.

Gold: M&S Tblvino Qvevris, £10

Made in Georgia and fermented with the grape skins in traditional terracotta vessels called qvevri, this has fragrant orange blossom, honeysuckle, quince and marmalade notes. A cracking introduction to orange wine.

Perfect pairing: Try our Persian aubergine bake recipe

Joint silver: Aldi Specially Selected Argentinian Organic Malbec, £6.99

A seductive nose of apple and blackberry crumble, with soft and juicy fruit, a touch of tobacco and a beautifully silky texture.

Perfect pairing: Try our roast anchovy butter lamb with boulangère potatoes

Joint silver: Sainsbury’s Nature & Sun Orange Chenin Blanc, £10

An aromatic, subtle funk of tangerines, orchard fruits and nuts, and just a little tannic crunch. Savoury and very appetising.

Perfect pairing: Try our mackerel, celeriac and lemon recipe

Best vegan wine

2022-08-30T16:30:36Z

Looking for the best vegan wine? Want to know which vegan wine to buy? Read on for the bottles available, then check out the best summer wines to buy.

Since the Veganuary campaign began in 2014, the number of people taking the vegan pledge for January has soared each year, with many becoming permanent converts when the month is over. Sales of vegan food have boomed as people choose to consume fewer animal products, or eschew them altogether, and the demand for vegan wines has shot up alongside.

So what is vegan wine? Traditionally, animal products such gelatine, isinglass (made from fish bladders), milk proteins and egg whites have been used as fining agents to clarify wine. They are added to the top of the vat and adhere to impurities held in suspension in the liquid as they sink to the bottom. They are filtered out, along with the impurities, before the wine is bottled – so the finished wine contains no animal products but makers are increasingly using vegan-friendly fining agents, including bentonite clay, carbon and proteins derived from peas and potatoes, which do the job just as well.

Labelling can be a minefield. Fining agents don’t need to be disclosed on labels, apart from egg whites and milk proteins, as they are allergens. Official vegan certification is a time-consuming and expensive process so many wineries simply don’t bother, and they may or may not mark their wines as vegan. Having said that, it’s fairly easy to find the info on retailer or winery websites, or via the QR codes that often appear on bottles.

It should be noted that some wines, including most natural wines, are bottled without any fining, as the impurities in the wine are deemed an integral part of their character, adding extra interest and texture. This is why they are often slightly hazy. However, biodynamic viticulture uses preparations made from animal dung, sometimes packed into cow horns, so biodynamic wines aren’t vegan in the strictest sense.

More than 60% of wines are now vegan-friendly, a threefold increase since 2014, and this continues to rise with each vintage. Restaurants and retailers are keen to take them on – Majestic’s range classified as vegan has increased 75% since 2019, while M&S has announced that all its own-label wines will be vegan by 2022.

See the results of our 2022 wine awards vegan category below.

Five vegan wines to try

St Laurent 2018 Canned Wine Co, £16.30 (three cans), Canned Wine Co

With bright autumn berries and aromatic spices, this is lovely slightly chilled.

Winemaster’s Lot Vacqueyras Blanc, £9.99, Aldi

Classy white Rhône gently aged in oak barrels with vibrant notes of baked apples, almond blossom and savoury nuts.

Santa Tresa Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2018, £12.99, Ocado

From a forward-thinking organic winery in Sicily – ripe black cherries, silky spices and a touch of leather lifted with a bracing freshness.

La Ferme Saint-Martin ‘Les Romanins’ 2020, £14.95, Les Caves

A blend of organic grenache and syrah made with native yeasts, bottled unfiltered and unfined. Robust with bramble fruit, liquorice and black pepper.

Tesco Finest Blanquette de Limoux, £9.50, Tesco

Made in the same way as champagne but at a kinder price. Soft bubbles, peachy fruit, toasted brioche and a crisp, clean finish.

Here are the results of our 2022 wine awards vegan category

How we chose the winners

The olive team chose 20 categories for own-brand and retailer exclusive supermarket wines, covering different styles, occasions and price points. Whether you need budget bottles for everyday drinking, wines to impress at your next dinner party or wallet-friendly fizz to buy by the case for celebrations, we’ve got you covered. The supermarkets were invited to enter one wine per category (so they had to choose carefully). Every wine was blind tasted by a panel of olive judges (led by olive wine columnist, drinks author and sommelier Kate Hawkings, with Fortnum & Mason drink writer of the year, Henry Jeffreys) and we awarded winner accolades to our favourites. In some categories, where the standard was high, we awarded joint winners. So if you see those labels on your next shop – trust in us. These bottles are brilliant!

Best vegan wine

Wine made with vegan-friendly fining agents.

WINNER: Tesco Finest Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Aromatic, floral nose with a big and beefy body, rippling with ripe fruit and firm tannins that make it best drunk with robust food.

Perfect pairing: Vegan mushroom risotto.

Available from Tesco (£18)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Morrisons The Best Primitivo

Juicy sour cherry fruit with a lick of liquorice and a very appealing freshness.

Perfect pairing: Vegan aubergine chilli.

Available from Morrisons (£8.25)

Previous winners

Wine suitable for vegans, with no fining using animal products.

Gold: Asda Extra Special Chenin Blanc, £5.50

Fragrant honeysuckle and tropical fruit notes with some subtle spice and a creamy richness.

Perfect pairing: Try our vegan risotto recipe

Joint silver: M&S Found Gros Manseng, £9

Lots going on here, with a fresh, grassy nose and plenty of ripe, peachy fruit balanced with good acidity and a lime zest finish.

Perfect pairing: Try our jackfruit tacos

Joint silver: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Chateau Tanunda Barossa Cabernet Merlot, £11.50

Nicely savoury and earthy with supple blackcurrant fruit and a little vanilla; big and bold but not jammy.

Perfect pairing: Try our vegan chilli con carne

Best supermarket sparkling wines

2022-08-30T16:15:44Z

Looking for the best supermarket sparkling wine? Want to know which sparkling wine to buy? Read on for the best bottles from a variety of price points, then check out our favourite English sparkling wines to buy. Also take a look at our reviews of the best supermarket champagne, best German wines to buy and best appassimento wines.

How we tested

We’re thrilled to announce the results of the olive Supermarket Wine Awards 2022. The olive team chose 20 categories for own-brand and retailer exclusive supermarket wines, covering different styles, occasions and price points. Whether you need budget bottles for everyday drinking, wines to impress at your next dinner party or wallet-friendly fizz to buy by the case for celebrations, we’ve got you covered. The supermarkets were invited to enter one wine per category (so they had to choose carefully). Every wine was blind tasted by a panel of olive judges (led by olive wine columnist, drinks author and sommelier Kate Hawkings, with Fortnum & Mason drink writer of the year, Henry Jeffreys) and we awarded winner accolades to our favourites. In some categories, where the standard was high, we awarded joint winners. So if you see those labels on your next shop – trust in us. These bottles are brilliant!

Best cava

Crisp and good value, a good option if you want something drier than prosecco.

WINNER: Morrisons The Best Marques de los Rios Cava Brut

A rich, yeasty nose with fine, creamy bubbles and zesty finish.

Available from Morrisons (£9)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ocado Marques de Grinon La Vie en Rose Organic Rose Cava

A lovely pink cava with pretty notes of strawberries and cream. It’s floral and delicate, herbaceous with good length.

Available from Ocado (£11.50)

Best English sparkling wine

English fizz now rivals the best champagne in quality. What bottles should you buy?

WINNER: Aldi Winemaster’s Lot English Sparkling

Rounded and toasty with luscious creamy bubbles and a bright, lime-zest acidity.

Perfect pairing: Fish and chips.

Available from Aldi (£19.99)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Sainsbury’s Ellercombe English Sparkling Brut NV

Generous notes of baked apples and buttery biscuits with a crisp and refreshing finish.
Perfect pairing: Fritto misto.

Available from Sainsbury’s (£22)

Previous entries

Gold: Aldi Winemasters Lot English Sparkling, £14.99

Very elegant with soft, moussey bubbles, lovely floral notes and a long, toasty finish.

Silver: Tesco Finest English Sparkling Wine, £21

Crisp green apples and zingy citrus freshness in this clean, lean and savoury fizz.

Bronze: Waitrose Leckford Estate Brut, £26.99

Complex and creamy with ripe peaches, crunchy apples and a soft, buttery richness.

Best fizz to buy by the case

For parties, micro-weddings or special occasions – the best-value fizz to bulk buy by the case.

Gold: Lidl Arestel Cava, £5.29

Fantastic value for a party fizz; clean, fresh and very, very drinkable.

Silver: M&S Found Blanquette de Limoux, £10

A pretty nose, floral and peachy with a savoury, grassy freshness.

Bronze: Ocado Faldeo Prosecco, £9.99

Aromatic with crisp orchard fruits and soft, creamy bubbles.

Best supermarket champagne

2022-08-30T16:26:59Z

Looking for the best supermarket champagne? Want to know which champagne to buy? Read on for the best bottles from a variety of price points, then check out our best champagne guide (including independents). For more wine guides, take a look at our best appassimento wines, best albarino wines and best English pinot noirs.

How we chose the winners

We’re thrilled to announce the results of the olive Supermarket Wine Awards 2022. The olive team chose 20 categories for own-brand and retailer exclusive supermarket wines, covering different styles, occasions and price points. Whether you need budget bottles for everyday drinking, wines to impress at your next dinner party or wallet-friendly fizz to buy by the case for celebrations, we’ve got you covered. The supermarkets were invited to enter one wine per category (so they had to choose carefully). Every wine was blind tasted by a panel of olive judges (led by olive wine columnist, drinks author and sommelier Kate Hawkings, with Fortnum & Mason drink writer of the year, Henry Jeffreys) and we awarded winner accolades to our favourites. In some categories, where the standard was high, we awarded joint winners. So if you see those labels on your next shop – trust in us. These bottles are brilliant!

Like the sound of our food pairings? You can find all our recipes on olivemagazine.com

Best champagne to buy by the case

High-quality yet brilliant value fizz – perfect for the festive season and special occasions.

WINNER: Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne, £21

Consistently impressive fizz, fresh, racy and rounded with lovely notes of zesty lemon meringue pie.

Available from Tesco (£21)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Waitrose Blanc de Noirs

Red fruit and almond pastry aromas with a savoury, slightly spicy finish.

Available from Waitrose (£19.99)

Previous entries

Silver: Lidl Comte de Senneval Champagne, £13.49

Bargain bubbles with an appealing toasty nose, bright citrus fruit and a clean, refreshing finish.

Perfect pairing: Try our grilled oysters with garlic butter

Bronze: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Blanc de Noirs Champagne, £21

Fine perky bubbles, fruity but fresh and very appetising.

Perfect pairing: Try with cheese straws to nibble alongside

olive podcast: 10 things you need to know about French foodie destinations

2022-08-26T13:02:18Z

This week olive’s digital editor and self-confessed Francophile Alex Crossley shares her top 10 French foodie destinations. From the most gourmet street in Paris to the coastal delights of Arcachon and Marseille there’s inspo here for every type of food obsessed traveller.

See more foodie inspiration with Alex’s top travel guides.

Listen out for next week’s episode to hear baker and author Edd Kimber share 10 things you need to know about the history, traditions and stories behind some of the most iconic French pastries and bakes.

olive wine supermarket awards 2022

2022-08-26T14:12:19Z

Looking for the best supermarket wine? Want to know which wine to buy? Read on for the best bottles, from English sparkling wine to Greek wine…

We’re thrilled to announce the results of the olive Supermarket Wine Awards 2022. The olive team chose 20 categories for own-brand and retailer exclusive supermarket wines, covering different styles, occasions and price points. Whether you need budget bottles for everyday drinking, wines to impress at your next dinner party or wallet-friendly fizz to buy by the case for celebrations, we’ve got you covered. The supermarkets were invited to enter one wine per category (so they had to choose carefully). Every wine was blindtasted by a panel of olive judges (led by olive wine columnist, drinks author and sommelier Kate Hawkings, with Fortnum & Mason drink writer of the year, Henry Jeffreys) and we awarded winner accolades to our favourites. In some categories, where the standard was high, we awarded joint winners. So if you see those labels on your next shop – trust in us. These bottles are brilliant!