2018 Plop! Blanco de Semillón

Region: Mendoza < Argentina

Grapes: Semillón

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming; 110-year-old, dry-farmed vineyards planted in sandy clay soils at 1,300 m (4,300 ft); Half of the grapes spend a week on the skins before fermentation in concrete; minimal So2 at bottling only; 12% ABV
Winemaker: Manuel Michelini

How much more summery can a wine get?  This one looks like it was made by mermaids under the sea, but drinks leagues above the Disney level. Although it was made by a millennial -- Manuel Michelini is the early-20-something son of Gabriel Michelini, the man behind Zorzal and Gen del Alma, two of the the Uco Valley's most forward-thinking and avant-garde projects. The Michelini brothers (and now their offspring) are making some of the most natural, authentic wines in South America today like this Pinot Noir and this Malbec we've featured in the past.  They're kind of bad boys, mavericks who have no time for convention or rules because they're is too busy making experimental (but consistently clean and awesome) wines with his series of micro-projects showcasing unique terroirs in Argentina and Chile.  Like this bright, fresh Semillón, round in the mouth, with an herby, lemony edge. No wood or flabbiness here, just a chewy mouthful of tropical fruit clinging to a tart backbone of acidity. Fantastic all-purpose white, with something for everyone.