Casa Althay
La Geria • D.O. Lanzarote • Cult Spanish Wine • Free shipping from $1,499
"The purity of pre-phylloxera vines cradled by the Atlantic."
Casa Althay: The Legacy of Ungrafted Vines
In La Geria, the most unique wine landscape in Lanzarote (D.O. Lanzarote, Canary Islands), the winemakers of Casa Althay cultivate a plot of about 12 hectares planted in the traditional volcanic sand "hoyos" (pits), some up to 4 meters deep, protected by low stone walls ("zocos") that break the trade winds. It is a century-old vineyard reclaimed after decades of abandonment, where the interaction between volcanic lapilli and the Atlantic breeze creates unique and unrepeatable conditions.
Because they are settled on layers of porous volcanic ash and lapilli, Casa Althay’s vines were spared from the impact of the phylloxera plague in the 19th century. Consequently, they grow entirely on their own original roots (ungrafted/pie franco), preserving an ancestral genetic heritage of indigenous varieties that are practically extinct on the European continent.
From La Cava Shop, their expressive bottles of white wine and red wine dazzle sommeliers and collectors with their unmistakable saline and volcanic profile. Explore our exclusive selection of premium Spanish wines and receive your bottles anywhere in Mexico with free shipping on purchases from $1,499 MXN or a preferred rate of $99 MXN on smaller orders.
Ash Terroir, Indigenous Varietals, and Production
The Mineral Character of Basalt Soils
The porous substrate, rich in lapilli and volcanic sand from La Geria, retains ambient moisture brought by the Atlantic breeze and protects the roots from water stress, without the need for irrigation. This mineral environment imparts to the wines an unmistakable hallmark of vertical tension on the palate, crisp natural acidity, smoky hints, and a persistent structural salinity that lengthens every sip.
Expression of Malvasía Volcánica, Listán Blanco, and Listán Negro Vines
Casa Althay's creations stand out for the prominence of emblematic island grapes. Malvasía Volcánica, along with Listán Blanco, contributes aromatic whites perfumed with orange blossom, ripe citrus, and notes of pumice stone, while Listán Negro (seen in labels like their Avelina red) brings life to agile, fresh reds with hints of wild berries, black pepper, and a fine patina of volcanic ash.
Micro-vinification and Minimal Intervention Aging
The bunches are harvested by hand in small crates and processed via spontaneous fermentation, unfined, using native yeasts. Aging takes place in concrete tanks and 500-liter French oak barrels, so as not to mask the wild imprint of the island terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions about Casa Althay
What does it mean for vines to be pre-phylloxera and ungrafted?
It means that the roots of the plant are the original European ones, not grafted onto American rootstocks. Having avoided the phylloxera plague thanks to the volcanic soil of La Geria, the flow of nutrients from the soil to the fruit occurs without interruption, offering the genuine and historic expression of the variety.
What are the ideal food pairing recommendations for Casa Althay?
The whites pair perfectly with fresh ceviches, grilled seafood, oily fish, and goat cheeses. Meanwhile, the Listán Negro reds masterfully accompany roasted white meats, carpaccios, light stews, and spiced dishes.
How is the wine protected during shipping?
At La Cava Shop, we use specialized anti-shock packaging structured with high-density passive thermal insulation barriers, ensuring that the wine maintains its temperature and physical stability throughout the entire delivery process.
Acquire the Volcanic Magic of Casa Althay
Add unique wines born in basaltic ash and nurtured by the Atlantic Ocean to your personal collection. Buy at La Cava Shop with a full guarantee of authenticity and direct delivery to your home.
Casa Althay • La Geria, Lanzarote • Signature Spanish Wine • Malvasía and Listán • Free shipping from $1,499
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