Horween Burgundy Chromexcel

The leather undergoes Horween's signature 89-step manufacturing process taking 28 working days, utilizing combination tanning techniques that have remained largely unchanged for over a century. Burgundy Chromexcel features the same hot stuffing process and proprietary oil blends that define all Chromexcel variations, creating distinctive pull-up characteristics where the burgundy coloration temporarily lightens when flexed, immediately returning to its original depth when pressure is released.

The burgundy coloration, sometimes referenced in relation to the classic "Color 8" family, develops rich patina characteristics that enhance the leather's natural grain patterns while maintaining structural integrity. This combination of distinctive wine-red coloration with proven Chromexcel performance has made Burgundy Chromexcel a preferred choice for heritage footwear manufacturers and artisan leather craftspeople seeking both aesthetic appeal and functional reliability.

Burgundy Chromexcel exhibits a sophisticated wine-red coloration with deep maroon undertones that create visual complexity under varying lighting conditions. The color demonstrates the characteristic depth associated with aniline-finished Chromexcel, where natural grain patterns and fiber density influence color intensity and distribution throughout each hide.

The leather's aging characteristics represent one of its most valued attributes, with the burgundy coloration developing enhanced richness and complexity through use. The leather brightens and deepens predictably, creating unique patina patterns that reflect individual usage while maintaining the fundamental burgundy character that distinguishes this colorway from other Chromexcel options.

The pull-up effect inherent to Chromexcel is particularly dramatic in Burgundy, creating striking temporary color displacement when the leather is bent, stretched, or flexed. This phenomenon allows lighter wine tones to become visible during stress, immediately returning to the original burgundy depth when pressure is released, providing visual evidence of the leather's oil content and flexibility.

Surface wear and scuffs integrate naturally into the burgundy coloration, becoming part of the leather's developing character rather than appearing as defects. This forgiving aging characteristic makes Burgundy Chromexcel particularly suitable for applications where regular use and handling will contribute to the leather's aesthetic development over time.

Burgundy Chromexcel production follows Horween Leather Company's traditional combination tanning process, beginning with chrome tanning followed by vegetable retanning using proprietary bark extract formulations developed over nine decades of continuous production. The process requires precise control of chemistry and timing to achieve consistent burgundy coloration while maintaining performance standards.

The burgundy coloration is achieved through Horween's aniline finishing process, where the leather receives several hand-rubbed coats of non-pigmented finish that allows natural grain patterns to remain visible while achieving the rich wine-red coloration. This finishing approach ensures the burgundy color integrates naturally with the leather's inherent characteristics.

The hot stuffing process utilizes Horween's proprietary blend of oils, waxes, and greases applied through steamed mills, creating the signature pull-up characteristics and water resistance properties. The specific formulation is designed to complement the burgundy coloration while maintaining the performance standards that define Chromexcel quality across all color variations.

Quality control throughout production ensures consistent burgundy coloration while preserving the natural variation that makes each hide unique. Final finishing includes Neatsfoot oil application, preparing the leather for aging while maintaining the rich burgundy characteristics that will develop further through use.

Burgundy Chromexcel has established itself as a premium choice for heritage footwear applications, where the rich wine-red coloration creates distinctive products that combine aesthetic appeal with proven performance. The burgundy coloration provides sophisticated alternatives to traditional brown options while maintaining compatibility with classic footwear styling approaches.

The leather's characteristics make it particularly well-suited for dress shoes, including penny loafers, tassel loafers, and derby shoes, where the burgundy coloration complements formal and business casual styling. Heritage bootmakers also value Burgundy Chromexcel for creating distinctive service boots and casual footwear that stand out in the marketplace while maintaining traditional construction compatibility.

Goodyear welt construction methods pair excellently with Burgundy Chromexcel, as the leather's structural properties support traditional bootmaking techniques while the burgundy coloration creates visual interest that enhances classic footwear silhouettes. The leather's natural break-in properties ensure comfortable wear while the distinctive coloration develops enhanced character through use.

The aging characteristics make Burgundy Chromexcel especially valued in applications where long-term durability and visual development are priorities. Burgundy footwear develops unique patina patterns that enhance rather than detract from appearance, creating shoes and boots that gain character and value through extended wear.

Burgundy Chromexcel maintains the performance standards that define all Chromexcel variations, including excellent water resistance from the hot stuffing process and superior durability from the combination tanning foundation. The leather resists hardening and salt staining while developing enhanced character through regular use.

The combination tanning process provides Burgundy Chromexcel with advantages from both chrome and vegetable tanning methods. Chrome tanning contributes notable softness, suppleness, and tensile strength, while vegetable retanning adds structural integrity and enhanced aging characteristics that complement the rich burgundy coloration.

Maintenance requirements remain minimal due to the leather's high oil content and inherent water resistance properties. The burgundy coloration ages gracefully with minimal intervention, requiring only periodic conditioning to maintain optimal appearance and performance. The deep coloration helps mask minor scuffs and wear marks that might be more visible on lighter leather options.

The leather exhibits exceptional performance in demanding applications while developing aesthetic appeal through use. This combination of functional reliability with distinctive burgundy coloration makes this variation particularly suitable for applications where both performance requirements and visual appeal are important considerations.

Beyond footwear applications, Burgundy Chromexcel finds extensive use in luxury leather goods where the rich wine-red coloration creates products with distinctive market appeal. The leather's characteristics make it particularly suitable for dress belts, wallets, watch straps, and briefcases where sophisticated coloration combined with durability creates premium products.

Watch strap applications particularly benefit from Burgundy Chromexcel's comfort characteristics and aging properties, where the leather develops unique patina patterns that reflect individual wearing habits while maintaining structural integrity. The burgundy coloration provides sophisticated alternatives to traditional brown watch straps while offering superior aging characteristics.

The leather's appeal extends to artisan leather workers and craftspeople who value both its working properties and distinctive aesthetic characteristics. Burgundy Chromexcel's consistency and predictable behavior during construction make it suitable for complex leather working projects while providing visual interest that develops over time.

Market positioning reflects the premium nature of both the Chromexcel tanning process and the sophisticated burgundy coloration, with products commanding premium pricing that reflects the complex manufacturing process and distinctive aesthetic appeal that develops through aging.

Burgundy Chromexcel care follows standard Chromexcel maintenance practices, with the leather's inherent oil content and water resistance reducing maintenance requirements compared to other premium leathers. The rich burgundy coloration ages naturally through use, requiring minimal intervention to maintain its distinctive appearance.

Regular brushing represents the most important maintenance practice, helping to distribute natural oils while enhancing the burgundy coloration's depth and richness. The wine-red coloration responds particularly well to brushing, which develops natural patina while preventing surface buildup that could diminish the leather's characteristic appearance.

Conditioning should utilize products recommended by Horween Leather Company, with Neatsfoot oil being the preferred conditioning agent applied sparingly as needed. The burgundy coloration benefits from light conditioning that enhances natural properties without oversaturating the finish or affecting color development.

Storage considerations include avoiding direct sunlight exposure that could accelerate color changes beyond normal aging patterns. Proper storage supports natural aging while maintaining the burgundy coloration's distinctive characteristics during periods of non-use, ensuring the leather continues developing character when returned to regular use.

"Horween Chromexcel® - Burgundy - Maverick Leather Company". Maverick Leather Company. Retrieved September 5, 2025.

"Burgundy Dress Belt | Horween Chromexcel Leather | Besnard". Besnard. Retrieved September 5, 2025.

"Horween Chromexcel Leather Panel, Burgundy - Buckleguy.com". Buckleguy. Retrieved September 5, 2025.

"Horween Chromexcel Leather | The Tannery Row". The Tannery Row. Retrieved September 5, 2025.

"HORWEEN, Chromexcel - Natural, Brown, Burgundy/Color#8, Black, Navy – BLKBRD SHOEMAKER". BLKBRD Shoemaker. Retrieved September 5, 2025.