Tannin count in red wine

[Innkeeper]

Hi Red, and welcome to the Wine Board. My gut tells me that tannin is not your problem, but then again it could be. Merlot is a grape that is know for mild, smooth tannin in its wines. Cabernet can have harsh tannin when young, but they simply taste bitter or grainy, not normally causing headaches.

What pinot noir has that merlot and cabernet don't have is higher acid. Maybe that is what is agreeing with you. If so, you may also like gamay (found in Beaujolais and the Cru Beaujolais), barbera (found in California and Northern Italy), and sangiovese (found in Chianti and other Tuscan wines).