Cheese story
What is Canestrato Pugliese?
A Puglian sheep cheese aged in basket moulds.
Origin
Puglia, Italy
Milk
sheep
Board role
Hard / mature
Cheese profile
Country
Italy
Region
Puglia
Milk type
sheep
Texture
hard
Rind
basket-pattern natural rind
Ageing
2 to 10 months
Vegetarian
Check the rennet / producer
Milk treatment
raw
Flavour profile: salty, sheepy, spicy when aged
Origin, protection and character
Canestrato Pugliese comes from Italy, especially Puglia. Its character comes from the balance of milk, texture, rind, ageing and local serving traditions.
Protected status
PDO/DOP
Typical ageing
2 to 10 months
How to serve Canestrato Pugliese
grating, antipasti, cheese boards
Good food matches
Primitivo
olives
bread
Serving tip
Take it out of the fridge before serving so the texture softens and the flavour opens up. Softer cheeses usually need less time than hard aged cheeses.
Buying tip
Look for clean aroma, good texture and a style that matches the board: fresh and bright, soft and creamy, hard and nutty, blue and salty, or bold and washed-rind.
