#TasteofThursday Italian Hunter's Chicken Cacciatore

“In this series I’ll share which B.C. wine pairs best with select recipes from the best chefs in B.C.”

This week we are excited to be able to share this hardy, fall recipe from Executive Chef Patrick Gayler of the Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate.

ITALIAN HUNTER’S CHICKEN CACCIATORE

Yield: 6 Portions

INGREDIENTS

1 kg bone-in chicken thigh
2 red onions, diced
50 ml Calabrian chili paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tomatoes, peeled/diced
500 ml red wine
500 ml chicken stock
100 ml olive oil
250 gr mushrooms
1 cinnamon stick
1 rosemary sprig
5 cloves, ground
2 bay leaves

METHOD

Using vegetable oil and over high heat, thoroughly brown chicken pieces in large casserole then remove and set aside.
In the same casserole on medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, mushrooms and spices in olive oil until aromatic. Add tomato and chili paste and continue to sauté until the color deepens then deglaze with wine and then stock.
Bring to a simmer and adjust seasoning before returning the chicken to the mix. The liquid and vegetables should come about half way up the chicken (not completely covering it).
Braise for 3 hours at 250°F or until meat is tender and comes away from the bone easily.
Garnish with generous amounts of shaved hard cheese and enjoy with grilled bread or Italian egg noodles. Serve with Terroir Collection Splitrail 2014 Merlot.

Suggested wine pairing:

TERROIR COLLECTION SPLITRAIL 2014 MERLOT

Our Splitrail Merlot hails from the eastern region of Osoyoos where some of the longest hangtime occurs. This additional time on the vine gives the grapes a deep colour and intensity that translates into a robust wine. French oak barrel aging provided additional depth and complexity in the extended finish. This wine is enjoyable now, or cellar for the next 5-8 years. A splitrail denotes a fence or enclosure made from pieces of wood split lengthwise from the log. We named this wine, Splitrail Merlot, as a reminder of the many splitrail pieces used to create fences by the early pioneering farmers, especially the orchard growers. The label image illustrates the height aspect of this vineyard.

Tasting Notes

Black cherry, blueberries, and red plum fruit with dark chocolate and a touch of leather. Solid, refined tannins.

Firm in texture with an impressive core of black cherry, cacao and baking spices along with savoury crushed rock and herb flavours.

$50.00 available online

Executive Chef Patrick Gayler, Terrace Restaurant Chef for Mission Hill Family Estate

Patrick Gayler joined the culinary team at Mission Family Estate in 2014. As Chef of the winery’s award-winning Terrace restaurant, Patrick showcases his creativity and expert culinary skills, ensuring memorable guest experiences through innovative food and wine pairings, while also providing leadership to the kitchen’s culinary brigade. Patrick works alongside Private Events Chef Adam Vaughan and leads the rest of the Winery culinary team to achieve the premier level of food and wine experiences at Mission hill Family Estate.

Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Patrick has more than 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. Prior to being named Terrace Chef at Mission Hill Family Estate, Patrick held positions at notable restaurants in BC and Alberta, including: Executive Sous Chef at the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria, British Columbia, Restaurant Chef at Catch Restaurant and Oyster Bar in Calgary Alberta. Demi-Chef De Partie at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton, Alberta. A graduate of the Culinary Arts Apprenticeship Program from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, Alberta, Patrick also holds Red Seal certification.

Throughout the fall and winter months, Patrick executes key culinary programs, including the highly popular culinary classes offered in the winery’s Demonstration Kitchen along with some of the highly anticipated culinary events hosted at Mission Hill Family Estate.

Working in the Okanagan, with its abundance of fresh produce, is a chef’s dream and Patrick enjoys working with local farmers and producers to ensure Mission Hill Family Estate’s culinary program continues to showcase the best of the region.

In addition, Patrick is a past Chef Member of Culinary Team Canada; representing both national and provincial teams in multiple culinary competitions, including the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg and the Culinary Olympics in Erfurt Germany. Patrick credits this experience on the international culinary stage with perfecting his skill-set. The competitive environments underscored the importance of teamwork, attention to detail, and organization.

Recipe courtesy of Executive Chef Patrick Gayler, Terrace Restaurant, Mission Hill Family Estate. Bottle shot, tasting notes and all images courtesy of Mission Hill Family Estate.

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