Royal blue is a rich, deep shade of blue that has long been associated with royalty, prestige, and elegance. It’s a versatile color that can work well in both formal and casual settings. When it comes to pairing royal blue with wine, the key considerations are the shade and tone of the blue, as well as the variety and color of the wine. Generally, richer, darker wines tend to pair better with royal blue than lighter, crisper ones. But there are no hard and fast rules – it often comes down to personal taste and what you think looks appealing together. Here’s an in-depth look at royal blue and wine pairings to help guide your choices.
The Characteristics of Royal Blue
Royal blue sits between navy blue and bright cobalt on the color spectrum. It has a rich, jewel-like appearance that commands attention without being overpowering. The exact shades of royal blue can vary, but they all share a deep blue base infused with hints of violet or purple. This gives royal blue a subtle dimensionality and vibrancy that makes it very versatile for pairing with other colors. Here are some key characteristics of royal blue to keep in mind:
– Depth – Royal blue has a deep, saturated look. When pairing with wine, deep, opaque royal blues tend to work better than lighter ones.
– Cool undertone – Royal blue contains hints of violet/purple rather than warm, brick red undertones. This gives it a cooler ambiance.
– Touch of brightness – While still a dark, rich shade, royal blue has a touch more brightness and energy than navy. This vibrancy complements the hues found in red wines.
– Flexibility – The versatility of royal blue makes it easy to pair with a wide spectrum of wine colors and styles.
Factors that Impact Royal Blue and Wine Pairings
When putting together a royal blue and wine combination, there are a few key factors to consider:
– Shade of blue – Royal blue can veer slightly more blue or purple. Blue-leaning shades pair better with lighter wines, while deeper violet-infused hues match darker wines.
– Color temperature – Warm royal blues with a red/brick undertone match warmer red wines, while cooler blues pair with lighter wines.
– Tone – Deeper, richer, opaque royal blues look best with bold red wines. Lighter, brightened royal blues suit more delicate white and blush wines.
– Intensity – Pale, muted royal blues complement lighter, fruitier wines. Brigher, saturated royal blues stand up to intense, full-bodied red wines.
– Setting/style – In formal settings, pairing royal blue with white wines works well. For casual settings, combining it with richer reds makes a bold statement.
Best Wine Varietals to Pair with Royal Blue
Based on its depth, cool undertones, touch of brightness and innate versatility, here are some of the wine varieties that pair particularly well with different shades of royal blue:
### Lighter Royal Blues
– Pinot Grigio – This crisp, light-bodied white wine has yellow apple, melon, and bright citrus notes that complement soft royal blues.
– Sauvignon Blanc – Herbaceous, yet fruity Sauvignon Blancs have a balanced acidity that works with brighter royal blues.
– Champagne – The effervescence and delicacy of Champagne is an elegant pairing for pale to mid-range royal blues.
– Rosé – Fruity dry rosés with flavors of red berry, melon, and peach suit lighter royal blue shades.
### Mid-range Royal Blues
– Pinot Noir – The light red cherry and earthy flavors of Pinot Noir pair nicely with medium royal blues.
– Merlot – Notes of plum and mocha in Merlot complement mid-range purplish royal blues.
– Zinfandel – Royal blue’s vibrancy matches the bold blackberry and peppery notes in Zinfandel.
– Sangiovese – The acidity and medium body of Sangiovese is a great pairing for brighter royal blues.
### Dark Royal Blues
– Cabernet Sauvignon – Full-bodied Cabernets with dark cherry, vanilla, and oak flavors suit deep hues of royal blue.
– Malbec – Intense violet and dark fruit notes in Malbec pair beautifully with rich royal blues.
– Syrah – Peppery, vivid Syrahs stand up well to inky saturated royal blues.
– Port – The intense sweetness and dark fruit of Port complements the depth of dark royal blues.
Royal Blue and White Wine Combinations
For formal occasions, pairing royal blue with white wine is a classic, timeless combination. Crisp, vibrant whites work well with most shades of royal blue. Here are some specific white wine varietals and royal blue pairings:
| Royal Blue Shade | White Wine |
| Pale powder blue | Dry Riesling |
| Light periwinkle blue | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Bright cobalt blue | Unoaked Chardonnay |
| Mid-range royal blue | Sparkling Rosé |
| Deep royal blue | Champagne |
Rieslings, with their crisp green apple and citrus flavors, pair nicely with powder blues. Herbaceous Sauvignon Blancs match well with light periwinkle blues. For bright cobalt shades, the acidity in an unoaked Chardonnay is complementary. At the darker end, the delicate bubbles and fruits in Champagne suit a deep royal blue beautifully.
Royal Blue and Red Wine Combinations
For a bolder, more casual look, teaming royal blue with a red wine can create a dramatic, eye-catching combination. The intensity of royal blue allows it to be paired with a wide spectrum of red wines. Lighter reds match lighter blues, while fuller-bodied reds stand up to deeper royal hues.
### Light Royal Blues
Brighter royal blues with a purple leaning can be paired with light, fruit-forward reds like Pinot Noir and Grenache. For warmer light blues, a chilled Beaujolais is an excellent choice.
### Mid-range Royal Blues
Medium royal blues work well with fruit-driven reds like Merlot and Zinfandel. They also pair nicely with juicy, medium-bodied reds like Sangiovese.
### Dark Royal Blues
Deeper, richer royal blues look fantastic alongside full-throttled Cabernet Sauvignons, Malbecs and Syrahs. Port is also stellar with an inky dark royal blue.
Avoiding Clashes
When pairing royal blue with wines, there are a few combos that tend to clash and are best avoided:
– Pale blue with heavy, oaked Chardonnay can look washed out. Stick with lighter whites.
– Bright blue with sweet wines like Moscato is overly-intense. Substitute a sweeter Rosé instead.
– Royal blue with extra-dry wines like Brut Nature Champagne can be too austere. Pair with off-dry sparkling wines.
– Light blue with big Barolo or Cabernet can overwhelm the blue. Rotate in a lighter Grenache or Pinot Noir.
– Violet-tinged blue with oaked Chardonnay competes. Unoaked or steel-fermented Chardonnay is a better match.
Following these guidelines helps guarantee you get color combinations that complement rather than compete with each other.
Creative Royal Blue and Wine Pairing Ideas
Looking for some unique ways to pair royal blue and wine together? Here are a few creative ideas to liven up your table:
– Royal blue glasses filled with white wine or Rosé
– A royal blue bottle stopper in a decanted red wine
– Napkins or tablecloth in royal blue hues paired with assorted wines
– Blue gradient wine glass charms matched to light and dark wines
– A royal blue vase with flowers as a centerpiece alongside wine bottles
– Royal blue ceramic wine chillers to keep white wines cool
– Metallic royal blue candle holders with wine in clear stemless glasses
– A decanted red wine in a royal blue glass carafe
Having fun with different shades of royal blue accessories and linens allows you to create unique wine pairing presentations. The strong hue also makes a bold, artistic statement.
Key Takeaways for Royal Blue and Wine Pairings
Royal blue’s richness, subtle vibrancy and range of hues makes it highly adaptable to pairing with a wide variety of wines. Keep these guidelines in mind:
– Match depth of color – Deeper blues = deeper wines
– Cool blue undertones pair best with cooler wine varieties
– Lighter royal blues work with crisp whites and fruit-forward reds
– Deep royal blues complement bold Cabernets, Malbecs and Port
– Avoid pairings with overly sweet or dry wines
– Incorporate royal blue elements for dramatic presentation
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with unique combinations
With its regal elegance and standout nature, royal blue commands attention. Well-chosen wine pairings complement its prestige and flair, making for memorable dining and drinking experiences.
Conclusion
Royal blue’s rich, jewel-tone beauty makes it a natural fit for pairing with a variety of wines. While there are some guidelines to follow, don’t be afraid to get creative and find combinations that express your own personal style. The regal color palette of royal blue takes on an added vibrancy and warmth when coupled with a well-matched glass of wine. Whether it’s a crisp white, vibrant Rosé or full-bodied red, raising a glass alongside the dramatic hue of royal blue is always sophisticated. So don’t be afraid to incorporate some royal flair into your next dinner or event with the help of a great wine pairing.
