Terminology question: tannin in the singular or plural?

I hear both, but it seems to me that this word is usually used in the singular in English.

But it this contextual?

And could this be another example of the British/American divide?

Thanks for your input,
Alex R.

I use both tannin and tannins

I use both -- tannin if I can find only one, tannins if I find two or much less common more than two, in the same wine.

I think I agree with Bob. There is more that one type (kind) of tannin. If more than one type is present, you have tannins.

I would say it is in the context of where you place the word.
Compare these two lines

1. This wine has a firm tannin structure.
2. This wine has firm tannins.

Cheers,
Sue

The whole Oxford Companion article uses the plural, which is good enough for me.

Tannins, is actually a general word used to describe polymeric phenolic compounds found in wine. The compunds themselves have more sub groups and then singular names, for example a non-flavanoidal tannin is benzoic acid.

There are many of these and you'll find more than one in any wine. This said I think Sue has it right, it's contextual.

Hi Alex,

I am a plant biochemist so I think I can help you with this question. Generally speaking Sue, is correct in that it is contextual in what form to use.

Tannin is a generic term refering to the phenolic polymers found in wine (and plants). Polymers just means it is larger molecule composed of a chain of simpler (in this case individual phenolic) molecules. However, every wine undoubtedly contains numerous chemical forms of tannins that have been extrated from the skin, seeds, and stems of the grape clusters. Part of the taste of the wine will depend on how many different chemical forms of tannin the wine contains and what the concentrations of these various tannins are.

So, to sum up. Tannin is a) generic term for a class of chemical molecules and b) a name for single chemical that is a specific phenolic polymer. Tannins refer to the numerous chemical forms of tannin found in wine and plants.

Thanks for all your answers.

Alex