Burgundy is a rich, deep red color that takes its name from the wine produced in the Burgundy region of France. The exact shade of burgundy can vary quite a bit, from vivid crimson reds to deeper maroon hues. When most people think of burgundy, they picture a dark red wine color. But there’s a wide range of shades that can be described as burgundy.
So what exactly is the shade of burgundy? The answer depends on whether you’re talking about the color burgundy or the wine burgundy. The wine gets its signature dark red hue from the grapes used to produce it. The color burgundy, on the other hand, encompasses various shades of rich, intense red. There’s no single standardized shade that defines burgundy. It’s better to think of burgundy as a range of deep, bold reds.
The Origins of Burgundy Wine and Color
To understand the shades of burgundy, it helps to look at the origins of burgundy wine and how the color came to be associated with the name. Burgundy wine hails from the Burgundy region of eastern France. The Romans were the first to plant vineyards in this region around the 2nd century AD. Over the centuries, Burgundy developed a reputation for producing wines with exceptional depth, complexity and aging potential.
The grapes used to produce burgundy wines also give the wines their distinctive dark red color. Pinot noir and Gamay are the main grapes grown in Burgundy. When used to make red wine, these grape varieties typically produce medium to deep shades of red. The color comes from the grape skins, which contribute red and purple pigments as the juice soaks with the skins during fermentation. Extended skin contact results in darker, more saturated shades.
Characteristics of Burgundy Wine Color
When describing the shade of burgundy in the context of the wine, the most typical hues would be:
| Deep ruby red |
| Rich crimson |
| Dark garnet |
| Dark cherry |
These colors capture the deep red hue of Burgundy wines. However, there can be some variation based on factors like:
– Grape variety – Pinot noir tends to produce lighter, transparent reds while Gamay yields deeper, opaque shades.
– Winemaking techniques – Whole cluster fermentation and oak aging can intensify the color.
– Age of wine – Young Burgundy wines have vivid purple hints that lighten to brick red tones as the wines age.
So Burgundy wine color ranges from lighter ruby reds to very dark shades nearing black-red. But most people associate Burgundy with rich, saturated, crimson-garnet hues.
Defining the Burgundy Color
While Burgundy wine gave rise to the color name, burgundy as a color actually covers a broader spectrum. When used in fashion, design and other contexts, burgundy can refer to various shades of deep, reddish purple. Some key characteristics that define the color burgundy are:
| Deep, intense red hue |
| May have subtle purple/blue undertones |
| Darker and deeper than basic red |
| Richer and more vivid than brown |
Compared to true red, burgundy has more depth and intensity. It may also carry subtle bluish undertones that give it a slight purple quality. This distinguishes burgundy from basic red. Burgundy also stands apart from brown thanks to its vivid saturation.
Within this framework, there are many specific shades that can accurately be described as burgundy:
| Oxblood |
| Cordovan |
| Maroon |
| Ruby |
| Merlot |
| Plum |
Some versions like oxblood and cordovan have an especially dark, rich profile. Lighter burgundy shades include ruby and merlot. So burgundy as a color covers a spectrum but is defined by deep reddish hues.
Burgundy Color Codes
In digital design and web development, colors are often represented using hexadecimal color codes. This system assigns a specific code to each possible color, allowing accurate representation on screens.
Here are some of the most common hexadecimal color codes associated with shades of burgundy:
| #900020 – Crimson |
| #660033 – Dark burgundy |
| #800020 – Deep pinkish red |
| #610023 – Kobe |
| #9F1D35 – Rich burgundy |
These codes capture the deep red essence of burgundy. Crimson, kobe and rich burgundy are especially representative shades. Burgundy will usually fall somewhere between a bright red (#FF0000) and a deep purple (#660066) on the hexadecimal scale. The precise code can be tweaked as needed to get a desired shade of burgundy for digital design work.
Burgundy Color Uses and Psychology
Beyond its specific shade, burgundy carries symbolism and meaning that influences how the color gets utilized.
Some key facts about burgundy color psychology:
| – Associated with wealth, elegance and sophistication |
| – Evokes a sense of refined luxury |
| – Makes spaces feel stable and dignified |
| – Can also feel formal and traditional |
Burgundy conveys luxury but can also come across as formal. This informs where and how the color gets used.
Some common uses and associations for burgundy include:
| – Fine wines |
| – Ornate furnishings and decor |
| – Velvet and other luxe fabrics |
| – Leather upholstery |
| – Ivy league and other prestigious academic institutions |
Burgundy’s refined, stately vibe makes it well-suited for upper crust environs. It adds a touch of elegance and gravity without being too somber or depressing.
Comparing Burgundy to Similar Colors
Burgundy stands out from other deep reds due to its subtle complexity. Here’s how it compares to some close color relatives:
| Color | How it Differs from Burgundy |
|---|---|
| Maroon | Has more brown undertones |
| Ruby | Much brighter with orange undertones |
| Merlot | More muted and less saturated |
| Garnet | Contains more vibrant purple |
| Crimson | Slightly bluer, cooler undertones |
While similar, burgundy stands apart from other reds due to its deep yet soft quality. It lacks the overt brightness of ruby or garnet, maintaining a rich opulence.
Conclusion
So what exactly is the shade of burgundy? It depends on the context! Burgundy wine shows off the signature deep red hue of the grapes used to produce it. But as a color, burgundy encompasses various shades of deep reddish purple. It’s defined by richness, intensity and subtle complexity – a step beyond basic red but more refined than brown. Modern usage leans on the luxurious, elegant connotations of burgundy for fashion, design and decor applications. But the color retains a strong connection to the wines that started it all. With its flattering depth and dignified feel, burgundy continues to be a staple across color palettes and design work.
