The word ‘burgundy’ has synonyms that capture the different meanings and connotations of this rich color. Burgundy is a dark red color that resembles the red wine made in the Burgundy region of France. It’s a deep, bold, and elegant shade that evokes luxury and sophistication. Finding the right synonym requires understanding the context and exact shade of burgundy being referred to. Here we will explore the different synonyms for burgundy and examine how they each relate back to the meanings and uses of this classic color.
Key Synonyms
Some key synonyms for burgundy include:
- Maroon – Maroon is the closest direct color synonym for burgundy. It defines the same dark red hue.
- Oxblood – A reddish-brown color that resembles the color of oxidized blood. It has more brown tones than burgundy.
- Cordovan – A rich shade of burgundy that was originally defined as the color of cordovan leather.
- Crimson – A strong, bright red color that is slightly more vibrant than burgundy.
- Ruby – Ruby is a vivid reddish gemstone color that is lighter and brighter than burgundy.
- Garnet – Garnet is a color that resembles the reddish shade of garnet gemstones. It is darker than burgundy.
- Wine – As the name suggests, this is the dark red color of red wine. It directly links back to burgundy wine.
- Merlot – Specifically referencing the dark red color of merlot wine. It has subtle differences from burgundy wine.
These synonyms each capture a different facet of burgundy. While maroon is the closest direct match, the other terms provide more descriptive color associations.
The Origins of Burgundy
To fully understand the synonyms for burgundy, it helps to examine the origins of the color name itself. Burgundy derives from the French wine region of the same name in eastern France. The area has cultivate
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| AD 257 | The first vineyards were likely planted in Burgundy by the Romans. |
| 5th century | Burgundy wines became popular in Roman Catholic mass celebrations. |
| 11th century | Burgundy vineyards were established under the Dukes of Burgundy. |
| 14th century | Burgundy wines gained fame across Europe and England. |
| 17th-18th century | Burgundy wine production expanded significantly. |
| 1861 | Phylloxera epidemic destroyed much of the Burgundy vineyards. |
| 1930s | Burgundy vineyards and production recovered and improved. |
The Burgundy wine region has a long and storied wine making tradition spanning hundreds of years. The dark red wines produced in the region were the first to be known as “burgundy” starting in the High Middle Ages. The name originally just referred to the wine itself. But by the end of the 15th century, burgundy had become established as the color referring to the dark red hue of the wines.
The rich, intense red color came from the grapes predominantly used in Burgundy wines. Pinot noir was the first grape grown in the region. Its red wines defined the initial burgundy color. Later plantings also included Gamay grapes. Both Pinot noir and Gamay wines contributed to Burgundy’s signature red shade.
Using Synonyms for Wine Colors
Winemaking plays a direct role in inspiring synonyms for burgundy. By referring to specific grape varieties and wine regions, more descriptive color terms can be formed. For example:
- Pinot Noir – Referring directly to the main red grape of Burgundy that produces dark wines.
- Gamay – The second red grape variety grown in Burgundy.
- Bordeaux – Bordeaux red wines are a deeper shade of red than Burgundy.
- Beaujolais – Beaujolais wines from Southern Burgundy are lighter and rosier than traditional Burgundies.
- Merlot – A red wine grape that produces a deep red color slightly lighter than burgundy.
- Cabernet – Cabernet Sauvignon wines are a deeper, opaque shade of red.
Wine country synonyms give very specific color meanings. A cabernet shade is understood to be almost black-red, while Beaujolais evokes light pinky reds.
Burgundy Wine Color Comparisons
| Wine Term | Wine Color Description |
|---|---|
| Pinot Noir | Deep, dense red with bluish undertones |
| Gamay | Bright purple-red |
| Bordeaux | Very dark, opaque red |
| Beaujolais | Light, pinkish red |
| Merlot | Dark red with bluish hints |
| Cabernet | Blackish-red, dense opaque color |
Using the names of different red wine varieties allows for subtle distinctions in the shade of red being defined.
Burgundy as a Description of Depth
Beyond naming wine colors specifically, burgundy as a description can also characterize the depth of color. Deeper, darker shades of other colors can be described as burgundy to convey how rich they are. For example:
- Burgundy navy – A very dark shade of navy blue
- Burgundy green – Deep forest green with depth
- Burgundy gold – Intense metallic gold
Similarly, combining burgundy with other color terms creates more complex hues. These include:
- Burgundy plum – Rich blend of burgundy and plum
- Burgundy cherry – Deep red cherry shade
- Burgundy violet – Combination of burgundy depth with a violet tone
So while burgundy is defined as a class of red, calling other colors ‘burgundy’ is meant to intensify them. It adds richness, darkness, and a sense of elegance.
Contextual and Descriptive Synonyms
The exact synonyms used for burgundy also depend on the context it is being used in. The setting and how the color is perceived can affect the descriptive words and associations made with it.
Burgundy in Fashion
In fashion, burgundy carries glamorous and sophisticated connotations. Fashion synonyms include:
- Wine colored
- Plum red
- Oxblood
- Cranberry
- Ruby red
- Velvet
These terms spark images of deep lipstick, rich fall tones, and lavish fabrics.
Burgundy in Interiors
For home décor and interiors, burgundy conveys tradition and comfort. Interior design synonyms include:
- Mahogany
- Chestnut
- Damask
- Cabernet
- Merlot
- Plush
These words capture the warmth and timeless elegance of burgundy’s use in furnishings and accessories.
Burgundy in Nature
When describing the natural world, burgundy takes on earthy and grounding connotations. Nature-related synonyms include:
- Clay
- Dusky
- Earthy
- Russet
- Terracotta
- Autumnal
Burgundy evokes rich soils, beautiful autumn foliage, distinctive minerals, and the colors of the natural landscape.
Synonyms by Language and Culture
Burgundy’s synonyms also shift across languages and cultures depending on specific color meanings.
French Synonyms
In French, synonyms include:
- Bordeaux – Literally referencing the Bordeaux wine region
- Rouge – French word for red
- Pourpre – Purple-red color
- Grenat – The color of pomegranate seeds
- Cerise – Cherry-red
These directly link burgundy to French wine culture.
Spanish Synonyms
Spanish synonyms for burgundy are:
- Burdeos – Equivalent to Bordeaux in French
- Granate – Grainy textured like a garnet gem
- Cereza – Spanish word for cherry
- Carmesi – Crimson red
- Vino – Directly translating to wine
Again, Spanish synonyms frequently reference wine shades.
Italian Synonyms
In Italian, burgundy is:
- Bordeaux – Also borrowing from French wine regions
- Ciliegia – Cherry red
- Porpora – Purple-red
- Rubino – Ruby colored
- Sangue – The word for blood
This draws connections between burgundy and richer red terms.
Conclusion
Burgundy is a multifaceted color that takes on different synonyms depending on exact shade, context, culture, and desired connotations. It captures depth and richness across different color families. Maroon is its closest direct match, but descriptive terms like oxblood, garnet, and plum evoke more specific color impressions. Referencing red wine varieties and regions also links burgundy to elegance and sophistication. Cultural differences provide even more synonyms that draw out localized color meanings. But in all its variations, burgundy maintains its signature deep red personality. Understanding its synonyms provides avenues for honing color descriptions and sparking meaningful impressions. The right synonym can capture the perfect crimson tone.
