This Christmas, Menabrea, Italy’s most celebrated Alpine beer from the Piedmont region, is offering something truly extraordinary: a limited-edition cheeseboard that is entirely edible.

Developed in collaboration with Botalla Formaggi, an authentic Italian cheese producer that neighbours Menabrea’s brewery in the Italian Alps, and Vallebona, a purveyor of fine Italian foods, the cheeseboard offers a unique take on this year’s board trend and will give diners a true taste of Italy this Christmas.

The one-of-a-kind board serves 12 and is crafted from cheese made with Menabrea Italian Alpine Birra and aged in cellars next to the brewery in Biella. Sbirro, is a rich, semi-hard cheese that is soaked and washed with the beer during the ageing process to give a distinctive yet delicate yeast flavour with an after taste of hops. It is then coated in spent grains leftover from the Menabrea brewing process.

Perfect for holiday entertaining, the cheeseboard is complemented with accompaniments that celebrate ingredients from the Piedmont region, such as two additional cheeses, Testun al Barolo and Gorgonzola Dolce Dop, artisan chestnut honey, black olive pâté and, of course, two bottles of Menabrea Italian Alpine Birra – Menabrea Bionda and Menabrea Zero Zero.

The golden Menabrea Bionda is a refreshing lager with notes of bread crust, citrus, and subtle spices, making it a perfect match for the soft creaminess of the Sbirro. While Zero Zero, delivers a lighter but equally satisfying taste, pairing beautifully with the cheese. Menabrea’s gentle carbonation cuts through the richness of the cheese, enhancing the nuanced flavours of the beer-washed rind. Together, the beers and cheese create a harmonious pairing that celebrates the best of Italian craftsmanship and tradition.

Eleanor Quigley, Brand Manager for Menabrea, said: “The Menabrea cheeseboard is the ultimate festive indulgence. It’s not only a beautiful way to serve your guests, but also a deliciously exciting one, that truly brings the flavours of the Alps to the UK this Christmas.

“When people think of cheese they tend to think of wine, but the delicate flavour of Sbirro, coupled with Menabrea, creates a perfect pairing experience that’s bound to impress guests this holiday season. It was our aim to offer something extraordinary to those who appreciate both fine beer and gourmet food. The cheeseboard is a unique and fun offering for festive gatherings and gift giving.”

Priced at £100 with free delivery, the limited edition Menabrea cheeseboard is available to purchase in store and from Vallebona’s online store, for nationwide delivery. Order early to avoid disappointment.