Red Wine Newbie

[wondersofwine]

Ordinarily, yes--tannins can make the wine taste bitter and cause the mouth to pucker. Merlot grapes are usually not all that tannic, but the tannins could be from grape stems or new oak barrels used to age the Merlot. Other Merlots may be smoother in your mouth. Do you remember which Pinot Noir you liked? We might be able to make other similar suggestions.
I agree with the Beaujolais Villages suggestion and also a Beaujolais Cru such as Fleurie or Brouilly. You might also try a basic Spanish Rioja (Tempranillo grape), a basic Valpolicella from Italy (not the more expensive Amarone or Recioto) or a Cotes du Rhone from France (all reasonably priced and generally fruity reds.)