Burgundy is a deep reddish-purple color that takes its name from the wine produced in the Burgundy region of France. While burgundy is technically a shade of red, it sits on the border between red and purple and has qualities of both. This leads some people to question whether it should be classified as a red or considered its own distinct color. Here is a closer look at the origins and technical specifications of burgundy, and an exploration of whether it is still considered a true red.
The Origins of Burgundy
Burgundy’s name comes from the Burgundy wine region in eastern France, which has produced wines since the Roman era. The name “burgundy” began being used in the 17th century to describe the dark red color of the red Burgundy wines produced in the region. Over time, the word “burgundy” evolved from just describing the wine to being used as the name for the color inspired by the wine.
True burgundy-colored wines depend on the grape varietal used, vinification techniques, and the terroir of the Burgundy region. Pinot noir and Gamay grapes produce the lightest hues of red Burgundy wine, while Cabernet Sauvignon grapes produce deeper,darker red wines. As a wine ages, it also darkens from the chemical reactions occurring during the aging process. Therefore, the range of hues covered by the descriptor “burgundy” in the context of wine is broad, from lighter reds to nearly black-red wines.
Beyond wine, the first recorded use of “burgundy” as a color name in English was in 1881. It was originally used to refer to a deep red shade associated with the Burgundy wine. Over time, its meaning expanded past wine to become a color category of its own – a dark crimson or purplish red inspired by, but not limited to, the hues of Burgundy wine.
Technical Specifications of Burgundy
In technical terms, burgundy sits between red and purple on the color wheel. It is darker and more muted than primary red but not as dark as primary purple. This makes it tricky to pin down as an exact shade.
One technical definition of burgundy is as a dark red color with a hex code of #900020. This corresponds to RGB values of (144,0,32). However, various shades exist that can be considered burgundy, from lighter ruby tones to nearly black purplish reds.
| Color System | Burgundy Specifications |
|---|---|
| HEX Code | #900020 to #800020 |
| RGB | rgb(144,0,32) to rgb(128,0,32) |
| CMYK | 0, 100, 78, 44 to 0,100,75,50 |
| HSL | 346°, 100%, 24% to 10°, 100%, 25% |
As a general rule, hues from around #900020 to #800020 can all be considered shades of burgundy. Anything darker than this ventures into purple territory.
Is Burgundy Considered Red?
Whether burgundy is considered a red shade or its own color is a matter of debate. In color theory, burgundy is classified as a darker shade of red. It sits between crimson and maroon on the spectrum of red shades. This technical classification stems from burgundy being much closer to primary red than primary purple on the color wheel.
However, in popular usage, burgundy is sometimes considered a color in its own right separate from red. This is because it has very noticeable purple undertones that distinguish it from brighter reds. Some definitions of burgundy describe it as a “dark reddish purple,” acknowledging it straddles the line between red and purple.
There are a few factors that support burgundy being considered a distinct color category separate from plain red:
- It has strong purple undertones whereas red has no traces of purple.
- It is substantially darker and muted compared to primary red.
- It is named after a specific place (Burgundy), giving it a unique identity.
- In fashion and interior design, it is often treated as different from red.
However, there are also reasons why burgundy is still considered a type of red:
- On the color wheel, it sits much closer to red than purple.
- In technical color specifications like RGB and CMYK, it is defined as a shade of red.
- It is created by mixing red with other colors, notably blue.
- Many dictionaries and color guides classify it as a type of dark red.
So in summary, while burgundy has some purple traits, it is still fundamentally considered a shade of red rather than its own distinct color. The debate arises because it sits so close to the red-purple boundary. Burgundy has enough purple in it to give it a unique identity compared to plain red. But technical color classifications put it firmly on the red end of the color spectrum.
How Burgundy Differs from Red
Although burgundy is considered a type of red, it differs from pure red in a few important ways:
- Darkness – Burgundy is substantially darker than primary red. It has black added to moderate the vibrancy.
- Dullness – Burgundy is a more muted, dusty shade than pure red.
- Coolness – It has blue/purple undertones that give it a cooler tone compared to warm red.
- Sophistication – Burgundy is seen as more elegant and refined than the boldness of red.
These characteristics give burgundy a very different look and feel than true red. Though they are technically in the same family, burgundy has a more subtle, sophisticated effect than the bright, passionate vibrancy of red.
Some examples of how burgundy stands apart from red:
| Red | Burgundy |
|---|---|
| Bright, vivid | Muted, dusty |
| Warm, yellow undertones | Cool, blue/purple undertones |
| Energizing, youthful | Calming, mature |
| Associated with love, excitement | Associated with luxury, nobility |
So while red and burgundy are related, burgundy offers a darker, cooler, more subtle alternative to bold red. This makes the two colors complementary while still retaining unique identities.
How Light Impacts Burgundy’s Redness
Like other shades of red, burgundy can take on different hues depending on lighting conditions. In dim lighting, it can appear very dark and purple, almost black. In brighter light, the red undertones shine through more strongly. This is because the eye perceives colors differently in lower light.
In extremely bright lighting, burgundy’s red base is most visible. In moderate lighting, its subtle purple tones emerge. In very low light levels, the purple is most pronounced and it can be difficult to distinguish from very dark purple shades.
Natural vs. artificial light also impact burgundy’s redness. It tends to look redder in natural daylight. Under fluorescents and LED lights, the purple comes forward more. The cool white balance of artificial lights emphasizes the cool undertones of burgundy.
The red-purple balance of burgundy can also shift based on proximity. From a distance, burgundy will appear redder. Up close, you’ll see more purple come through. Context also matters. Against warm beige and brown tones, burgundy looks redder. Against cool blues and greens, it appears more purple.
How to Make Burgundy from Red
Though subtly different from red, burgundy is made starting with red as the base. To go from red to burgundy, you need to decrease lightness and add purple. Here are some ways to turn red into burgundy:
- Add a small amount of blue to red. Blue brings down the lightness and adds purple tones.
- Mix red with a small amount of black to darken it.
- Add a touch of purple or violet paint/dye to red.
- Start with a darker red base like maroon rather than light red.
- Add gray to red to mute the vibrancy.
The exact proportions will depend on how dark you want the final burgundy to be. Common ratios for mixing red and blue to make burgundy are approximately:
- 3 parts red + 1 part blue
- 4 parts red + 1 part blue
- 8 parts red + 3 parts blue
Mixing in a darker shade like maroon or crimson will let you make burgundy without dulling the brightness too much. Adding black or gray is better for getting a muted, earthy burgundy.
It’s important to add other colors sparingly to maintain burgundy’s essential redness. Too much black will make burgundy look purple. Too much blue will dull the vibrancy.
Burgundy vs. Similar Colors
Burgundy is often confused with similar reddish-purple shades. Here’s how it compares to some colors in the same family:
- Maroon – Maroon is lighter and brighter than burgundy. Burgundy has more black to create a darker effect.
- Cordovan – Cordovan is lighter than burgundy, with more red and brown tones.
- Berry – Berry is brighter and redder, lacking the subtle dusty purple effect of burgundy.
- Plum – Plum has more blue and purple than burgundy, resulting in a cooler tone.
- Magenta – Magenta has much more purple and brightness than the muted burgundy.
Burgundy is characterized by its dark, muted, reddish-purple effect. It maintains red as its core while having noticeable purple/blue overtones. This sets it apart from similar shades that are lighter, brighter, warmer, or contain less red.
Burgundy in Culture
Beyond its technical specifications, burgundy also has many cultural associations distinct from standard red. Some of the symbolic meanings attached to burgundy include:
- Luxury – Burgundy is associated with expensive wine and upscale fashion.
- Royalty – Historically worn by kings, queens, and the wealthy.
- Prestige – Related to exclusivity, old money, and gentry.
- Ambition – Associated with drive, passion, and purpose.
- Maturity – Seen as dignified, cultivated, and refined.
These associations come from burgundy’s connections to nobility, winemaking, and the rich cultural heritage of the Burgundy region. While red is often seen as bold and exciting, burgundy carries more subtle connotations of sophistication, achievement, and high social standing.
In fashion, burgundy is a staple color for autumn and winter. It blends the energy of red with the calm earthiness of purple. Burgundy lipstick and nail polish are popular for their ability to flatter without being overly bold.
In interiors, burgundy can create an intimate, elegant mood. It’s associated with libraries, studies, and dining rooms. Compared to red, burgundy exerts a grounding, soothing influence while still providing depth and richness.
Conclusion
While burgundy contains noticeable purple undertones, technical color specifications and color theory categorize it as a deep shade of red. On the color wheel and color spectrum, it sits between crimson and maroon in the red family. However, burgundy differs from plain red with its darker, duller, cooler profile and associations with luxury and sophistication.
The debate around burgundy being a red versus its own distinct color arises because burgundy straddles the line between red and purple. But at its core, burgundy is still considered a type of red, albeit a very deep, muted red with subtle blue/purple influences. Its name may imply a separate identity, but burgundy remains fundamentally a rich, dark shade of red.
