Nuwcomer on Board.. Need suggestions :)

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Hi All.. This looks like the perfect forum for us new starters in the wine world [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

I just tried my first wine last week (drank here and there before, but never actually bought a bottle and start noticing/appreciating the brands/types).. Anyway, the first bottle I bought was a CONCHA Y TORO Casillero di Ablo Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.. Enjoyed it to the very last drop.. The lightness and fruity traits are just right.. Naturally I went back to the local wine shop and determined to try something different, as they were having a tasting on some Italian wines, I went and bought myself a Castello del poggio. Grignolino d'asti '04.. It tasted good (on the tasting stand), however after finishing 1 glass, it started to become very dry and strong (I bought it because the description was light, and perfect to accompany meals).. When I tried to drink it again the next day, it just gets stronger (bold).. As my wife and I can't take the dry-ness in our throats (talk about being an amateur), we decided to discard it and bought ourself a Fortant chardonnay (which to us is the best ones we had so far)..

Here comes the question [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

Any suggestion on some reds and whites (still wines) ? Something of good value (since we are still experimenting and learning, wouldn't want to waste good money on the drain) and are very LIGHT and fruity perhaps even sweet ?

and if it's not too much, anyone care to give some short words about Bordeaux, Merlot, Sauvignon etc ? (it's all french to me, pun intended).. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img] [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img] Perhaps a website for me to learn more ?

any help/comments would be greatly appreciated.. I should've start earlier [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img] Thanks again..