Looking for some advice and info

[EzCrash]

I am indeed a wine noobie. My wife and I have been popping corks for a few weeks now on Red wines only. We are not interested in white wine at this time but are focused on reds.

We have discovered that we do not care for wines that are high in tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are not to our liking.

Wines that we have enjoyed are Pinot Noir and Merlot and we have been told to try Beaujolais.

What I would like to know from some more experienced wine drinkers is:

1) Can someone describe the differences between Merlots, Pinot Noirs and Beaujolais ? (ie. Merlots are lighter or higher in tannins than the other 2 and are generally more sweeter ...etc. )

2) Besides those 3 ... are there any other reds that we might find enjoyable based on our limited tastes ?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Oh .... and we generally like to spend anywhere from $8 to $16 a bottle if that makes a difference.