Bergamot – the sweet freshness of orange peel and floral notes

Bergamot is often found as a top note in perfumes because of its ability to combine very well with other aromas to create more complex scents. It is produced by cold-pressing of the outer layer of bergamot orange fruit (Citrus Bergamia). Bergamot trees are small trees that grow mainly in South Italy, but they are also cultivated in Ivory Coast, Argentina and Brazil. Bergamot’s use dates back to 1714 when it was used as a fragrance ingredient. Its aroma is a blend of orange peel and floral notes. Bitter, yet elegant, this note has a remarkable sweet freshness and a lot of aromatic elements.

An interesting fact about bergamot oil is that its name derives from the Italian city Bergamo, where it was first sold. Another peculiarity about the bergamot fruit is that it is actually not edible (it’s produced only for the production of its essential oil). Except for perfumery it is also used for flavoring the famous Earl Grey tea.

In perfumery it is used both for male and for female perfumes (about one third of all male and half of the female perfumes have this note in their composition). Even though bergamot oil is extracted from a citrus fruit, it has more in common with aromatic herbs than with fruity citruses. Its distinctive character makes it appropriate both for light colognes and for deep oriental perfumes.

Here are some of the bergamot perfumes that have stolen our hearts:

• Dior J’adore EDP for women – J’adore is the golden jewel of Dior. With its rich and well-balanced floral bouquet it represents the absolute femininity. This legendary fragrance created by Calice Becker and launched in 1999 is sensuous and refined. It is perfect for the confident, sensual woman who loves celebrating her femininity.
• Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Couture EDP for women – launched in 2014, La Petite Robe Noire Couture is the new version of La Petite Robe Noire, created by Thierry Wasser. This sweet perfume features top notes of bergamot and raspberry, while its heart hides rose notes that give it its vital essence. The base notes of patchouli and vetiver contribute to the eccentricity of the fragrance.
• Armani Acqua Di Gio EDT for men – launched back in 1996, this perfume has become a classical fragrance for men. This exotic fragrance is a contemporary expression of masculinity. Sexy and fresh, it features top notes of sharp citrus notes, gradually giving way trough its flowery heart notes to the base notes of amber, cedar, patchouli and white musk contributing to the exotic mysteriousness of the fragrance.
• Chanel Coco Noir EDP for women is designed by Jacques Polge and Christopher Sheldrake. Launched in 2012, this perfume is an embodiment of the seductive and intimate beauty of black. Its top notes include grapefruit and bergamot, while its heart notes reveal the floral beauty of jasmine, rose, and narcissus. Its base notes of patchouli, sandal wood, vanilla, and white musk add warmth to the delicate composition of this exquisite fragrance.

What are your favorite perfumes that include bergamot?