Erika Bilbay, the manager of the Blue Mountain Vineyards store that recently opened in the Susquehanna Valley Mall, said that when people come into the store and ask her to recommend something, she asks them a question in return. The sweeter the drink, she said, the sweeter the wine. Red wines like Merlot are drier than most whites, and they are not as sweet and fruity as the popular White Zinfandel. Tannins in wine come mostly from the seeds and skins of the grapes and tannic wines are often red, which allows them greater aging potential. This is why white wines are meant to be enjoyed while young, whereas red wines have a longer life span.
Most college students prefer the sweeter wines to begin with.
I've rarely ever seen a college student walk in here and buy Merlot. Grape varieties are often mixed together, so reading the bottle's label can tell you what to expect. The quality of the wine depends much on the process that goes into making it. But, in the end, it comes down to what you enjoy.