It's redder than chocolate, browner than burgundy, and not quite maroon.
And it's set to be the biggest hue of 2015.
Every year the sovereigns of colour at Pantone put their heads together to select the defining shade of the next 12 months.
And their Colour for the Year 2015 is (insert tension building silence!) Marsala.
Photo by Anna Delores Photography via Green Wedding Shoes
The shade that will be taken by stylists, designers and decorators, and incorporated into fashion collections, beauty products, merchandising, home decor, and of course, weddings!
Pantone describe their choice as a “naturally robust, earthy red wine” and a “rich, hearty and stylish tone.”
Last year's tone was bold, brassy, Radiant Orchid, and while a beautiful hue for blooms or stationery, it didn't lend itself to chic bridesmaid dresses, rustic tablescaping or pairing seamlessly with other colours.
The subtlety, flatness and neutrality of year's choice of Marsala couldn't be more different from Radiant Orchid's bright, almost garish, vividness.
But while it looks a little drab on a swatch card, when applied to textures and set against other tones, Marsala can be an altogether rich, sophisticated and versatile hue.
Marsala Moodboard
Clockwise from top left; Invitations, Sage Nines Event Production, photo Elisa Bricker via 100 Layer Cake | Raspberry Tea, Millie Holloman Photography via Style Me Pretty | Catwalk shot, via Vogue | Tablescape, photo by Ian Martin Wedding Photojournalism via Flirty Fleurs | Cake via Brides | Bouquet, photo by Lani Elias via Magnolia Rouge | Dress by Elie Saab | Bottles, photo by Kristyn Hogan via Style Me Pretty | Suit, photo by Rebecca Wedding Photography via Whimsical Wonderland Weddings | Anna Delores Photography via Green Wedding Shoes | Ring Box via The Mrs Box
A classy, elegant colour that takes its cue from the fortified wine, Marsala is just a few shades away from wedding classic, burgundy, which means its set to ease into big day decor easily.
Marsala would work well on its own for a vintage style lipstick, cosy festive decor or bold autumn florals – think rich manicures, earthy place settings, and dark peonies.
Matching Up
As for pairing with other hues, there are both predictable and untraditional matches for this plush colour.
As a complex tone that's hard to put your finger on, Marsala almost changes completely when paired with other colours, sometimes it's oxblood, other times it's more of a sienna brown.
Aged tans, sea blues, forest greens or soft pinks, all work beautifully with it and can adapt the colour for both luxe backdrops, or more rustic occasions.
We love the idea of Marsala candlesticks next to cedar foliage or paired with copper against antique green for table settings.
For linens and florals, bring out Marsala's sweeter tones with pinks or creams, while a duck egg-style blue stylish pairing.
And we think a blend of all of the above for mix and match bridesmaids dresses would be just divine!
Photo by Eric Kelley Photography via Magnolia Rouge
While we were a little sceptical at first (it just looked a little flat and muddy!) after a little playing around, we think Marsala will be a popular, and gorgeous addition to wedding colour schemes for 2015.
Let us know what you think of the new Pantone Colour of the Year – we'd love to hear from you.
Still looking for the perfect colour combination for your own big day? Be inspired be our beautiful moodboards.
