CHEESE: We didn’t know this, but thought it was very important to share: National Cheese Lover’s Day is Thursday!

As cheese lovers ourselves, we’re excited about the recognition. And so are the Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, which sent us a list of suggested pairings of wine and cheeses. Fancy.

These come from Wine specialist Jerry Metallo — what a job he must have!

Stilton Cheese & Chateau Laribotte Sauternes 2018: “The sweetness of the Sauternes counteracts the tangy saltiness of the blue cheese.”

Chevre & La Perriere Sancerre: “The bright acidity of the Sancerre cuts through the creaminess of the goat cheese.”

Aged Asiago & Masi Campofiorin: “The theory if it grows together, it goes together applies here. This red based on the Corvina grape and this cheese both come from Italy’s Veneto region.”

Pyrenees Green Peppercorn & Penya Viognier Cotes Catalanes 2020: “Another example of two things born of the same land, the rich viognier has great acidity that plays off of the creamy, peppery cheese.”

Pecorino Toscana & Poggio Landi Brunello di Montalcino 2016: “The rich, silkiness of this wine is the perfect foil for this salty sheep’s milk cheese, both from Tuscany.”

Sharp Cheddar & Hierogram Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi 2018: “The spicy, fruity character of the zin complements the tanginess of the cheese.”

Of course, there are non-alcoholic pairings, too. The website Fast2Eat lists pairings for youth, or those who prefer not to imbibe.

Suggestions include Chevre and crisp cider; blue cheese with a sweet, sparkling cider; apple or pear juice with creamy and rich Camembert or Brie; or a sharper cheese like Manchego with grape juice.

The site suggested non-alcoholic beer would pair well with strong cheese.