Burgundy is a deep red wine color that is associated with several things including wine, food, fashion, design, cars, and more. As a rich, dark shade of red, burgundy evokes a sense of elegance, sophistication, and luxury.
Burgundy and Wine
One of the most common associations with burgundy is wine. Burgundy wines come from the Burgundy region of eastern France and are known for their earthy, complex flavors. The pinot noir grape is used to make red Burgundy wines which range in color from light red to deep burgundy.
Some of the most famous red Burgundy wines include:
- Gevrey-Chambertin
- Nuits-Saint-Georges
- Pommard
- Volnay
- Vosne-Romanée
These wines are prized for their aromas of black cherry, raspberry, licorice and earthy, woody notes. Burgundy wines are often described as having a “barnyard” aroma with hints of mushrooms and wet leaves. The rich, dark burgundy color comes from contact between the grape skins and juice during fermentation.
In addition to red wines, Burgundy is also known for its white wines made from chardonnay grapes. While not burgundy in color, these white Burgundy wines also come exclusively from the Burgundy region of France.
Burgundy and Food
The deep, earthy flavors of burgundy wines make them a popular pairing for certain foods. Some classic pairings include:
- Red meat – The tannins in burgundy stand up well to the rich flavors of beef, lamb and game meats.
- Mushrooms – The “forest floor” undertones compliment mushroom dishes.
- Duck – The slightly gamy, herbal notes pair nicely with duck.
- Aged cheese – The acidity cuts through creamy cheeses.
In cooking, burgundy can refer to a type of red wine sauce. Burgundy sauce features red wine, butter, beef or vegetable stock and herbs. It has a deep red color and pairs well with beef, game and mushroom dishes. The bold, luxurious sauce matches the opulent reputation of the Burgundy wine region.
Burgundy in Fashion and Design
As a striking, sophisticated color, burgundy has long been popular in the worlds of fashion and interior design.
In fashion, burgundy is regarded as a refined, stylish neutral that flatters most skin tones. It’s commonly used for:
- Dresses
- Blazers and suiting
- Sweaters
- Shoes and bags
- Scarves
Burgundy goes well with other fall hues like camel, hunter green and navy. It also pairs nicely with metallic gold and silver.
In interior design, burgundy can create a cozy, elegant mood. It’s popular for accent walls, throws, curtains and upholstery. Burgundy pairs nicely with navy blue, gold, ivory, beige and sage green.
The luxurious look of burgundy is ideal for formal dining rooms and studies. Lighter shades create a romantic, feminine feel for bedrooms. Deeper burgundies suggest formality and sophistication.
Burgundy and Cars
Burgundy is a popular color for luxury and sports cars. The rich tone conveys speed, passion and extravagance.
Some iconic burgundy cars include:
- Ferrari 250 GT Lusso
- Lamborghini Miura
- Porsche 918 Spyder
- Aston Martin DB5
- Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic
Car manufacturers will often release special edition burgundy models, like the Rolls-Royce Phantom Metropolitan Collection. These special models allow car enthusiasts to own a rare, one-of-a-kind luxury vehicle.
Other Burgundy Associations
Beyond wine, food, design and cars, burgundy has many other cultural ties:
- Cosmetics – Burgundy lipstick and nail polish are popular for creating a glamorous, sophisticated look.
- Gemstones – Garnets, rubies and other deep red stones are often described as burgundy-colored.
- Royalty – Burgundy was the color of choice for medieval European kings and queens.
- Sports – The University of Minnesota and Harvard University use burgundy as an official team color.
Conclusion
With its deep red hue and luxurious connotations, burgundy has strong ties to wine, food, fashion, cars and design. Throughout history it has been associated with extravagance and sophistication. Burgundy’s richness and flair allow it to stand out while still remaining a timeless, versatile color.
| Category | Specific Associations |
|---|---|
| Wine | Red Burgundy, Pinot Noir, Gevrey-Chambertin |
| Food | Red meat, mushrooms, duck, aged cheese, burgundy sauce |
| Fashion | Dresses, blazers, sweaters, shoes, bags, scarves |
| Interior Design | Accent walls, furniture, curtains, upholstery |
| Cars | Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin, Bugatti |
| Other | Cosmetics, gemstones, royalty, sports teams |
