Spain’s Top New Blue is Massive, French-Inspired, and Once Aged in a Military Bunker

High in the Spanish Pyrenees, a blue cheese was made where blue cheese was never meant to exist. Azul de Búnker is a raw sheep’s milk blue, born from massive wheels, borrowed techniques, and a landscape without caves. In just a few years, it’s gone from outsider to internationally awarded, challenging what tradition really means. I visited O Xortical in Villanúa, where I met Arriel, the cheesemaker behind Azul de Búnker. 🇮🇹 My Italy tours https://loliv.it/en/claudia-romeo-tou... 📝 Apply for a private food & culture travel consultation https://forms.gle/pNPw4AWNa66QTTuX7 🗞️ Join my newsletter https://newsletter.claudiaromeo.com/ 🎥 Want to be featured in a documentary? Apply here https://forms.gle/e7PUUpATqE9Go28BA Visit https://oxortical.com/   / o.xortical   00:00 Azul de Búnker: the blue cheese that shouldn’t exist 01:08 Adding penicillium: the mold that turns cheese blue + cutting the curd 02:40 Why the Pyrenees need new cheese traditions 03:22 All the crowns worn by Azul de Búnker (and Arriel) 04:02 The bounce test + filling the molds 05:41 Why turning the cheese is crucial to let the blue mold blossom 07:16 Why the cheese is named after a Franco-era military bunker 08:15 Aging Azul de Búnker in two stages (with French influence) 10:28 Cutting open two wheels of Azul de Búnker 11:46 How the color goes from green to blue in minutes 13:17 Tasting (watch me try to give my thoughts in mixed Italian and Spanish…) This video is a food documentary part of my traditional food stories series. Subscribe to my channel if you love food and travel    / @claudia-romeo   #cheese #spain #food #traditionalfood #cooking #foodvideo #foodie Let’s connect Instagram:   / claudiaromeo   TikTok:   / .claudiaromeo   Snapchat:   / claudia-romeo   Facebook:   / cldromeo   My Amazon recommendations: https://www.amazon.com/shop/claudiaromeo Buy me a ☕: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/claudiar... My Equipment - AF Panasonic LUMIX S5II https://amzn.to/3NvUeow Sony ZV-E10 https://amzn.to/3GJJr7f Osmo Pocket 3: https://amzn.to/4jabeyb Rode Wireless GO II https://amzn.to/3GGo5ax Joby Telepod https://amzn.to/3jREKiL Joby Compact Tripod https://amzn.to/3ZaCvqN Contact [email protected] About me I’m a journalist and producer with over 10 years of experience covering traditional dishes, food culture, and culinary craftsmanship. Originally from Bari, Italy, and now in London, I’ve built my career exploring how food reflects the identity of people and places. On this channel, I document iconic foods, meet local producers and artisans, and explore the relationship between land, culture, and cuisine. Previously, my work featured on Business Insider’s Regional Eats, So Expensive, and Food Tours. Copyright Notice All footage, interviews, and original content in this video are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any form without prior written permission. Unauthorized use, including but not limited to reuploads, edits, or incorporation into other works, may result in legal action. This channel is dedicated to self-funded independent journalism. For licensing inquiries, please contact: [email protected]