Canestrato Pugliese D.O.P. is a cylindrical uncooked hard gourmet cheese made from full cream sheep's milk and ripened over a period of 2 to 12 months. The name of this gourmet cheese derives from the wicker baskets, canestri, in which the cheese reaches maturation. The wicker baskets are a traditional product of the Puglia area.

During the aging process the rind of the Canestrato Pugliese is treated with olive oil and sometimes with wine vinegar, resulting in a dark yellow colored rind. The paste is firm with very small eyes.

The cheese is excellent for grating over a variety of pasta dishes. The Pecorino Romano is similar, but sharper and saltier flavor.