Bergamotto di Calabria by Acqua di Parma

Bergamotto di Calabria 2010

Farneon
04/06/2021 - 07:46 AM
10
Very helpful Review
7Scent 4Longevity 4Sillage 8Bottle

Bergamot, Lemon, Ginger, Bergamot, Lemon, Ginger, Bergamot, Lemon, Ginger ... OUT!

I really like the "Blu Mediterraneo" line from Acqua di Parma because of its naturally refreshing citrus scent. Whether the ingredients are actually noble and "hand-picked" in the end, I cannot say. There are probably 11 fragrances in total, of which I have tested 5-6. My absolute favorite remains "Cedro di Taormina" (see my review under "Need"), even though it only has 170 and not 450 ratings. All fragrances in the blue line are similarly rated, with scores around 7.5.

Blue bottles generally stand for fresh scents in most cases, which makes it easier to navigate. When they also come in a retro apothecary design and are named after Italian holiday destinations, it's certainly a marketing gimmick that works well. One should not forget that Acqua di Parma is also 100% part of the largest luxury goods corporation in the world: LVMH.

So we are by no means dealing with a niche brand here, but rather with a consistent product strategy. Because Acqua di Parma does not follow trends, does not show off, and does not focus on heavy sillage. The aim here is to evoke a holiday feeling. Here, regional craftsmanship is promoted. Here, "Dolce Vita" and Italian lifestyle are showcased.

As for the scent itself, there is probably not much more to say beyond the headline. It smells citrus-fresh and makes no secret of it. It does not sting the nose, is definitely unisex, and is a great refresher. Whether it's Apulia, Calabria, Sardinia, or Sicily is ultimately irrelevant. Because the scent fades faster than any flight from Germany to Southern Italy takes! ;-)

Depending on personal taste, I would choose a different "Blu Mediterraneo" fragrance, perhaps with a bit more fruit in the top note or a bit more wood in the base note. I have (as mentioned at the beginning) found my favorite and think that despite my praise for this product line: I don't really need a second one. Because in the end, they all resemble each other quite a bit, and a more powerful dry down could do this one some good.
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4 Comments
UpdownUpdown 5 years ago
1
I always find it sad how companies sell themselves to others. I mean that the authentic flair and the brand's "intention" get lost. I feel like a product being sold when it comes to those controlled by big corporations. Well, that's what it's all about, but I find the traditional aspect so beautiful. It doesn't feel as "Italian" anymore, if I can say that.
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GerryGerry 5 years ago
If you tested the scent from a bottle in retro apothecary design, then it was the old version and not the (actually) improved one. I know both, and yes, the early version was fleeting and quite one-dimensional, but it was very straightforward, pleasant, and refreshing. I agree with your impressions. The scent in the typical AdP bottle, in my opinion, has more longevity and volume. However, it’s not a long-lasting powerhouse or projection artist either.
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OldfactiveOldfactive 5 years ago
Basically, we’re dealing with a niche brand here in the traditional sense, regardless of whether LVMH is working behind the scenes or not.
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SalvaSalva 5 years ago
Very nicely described! A great house, and the blue AdP fragrances are good, but my favorite from the brand is the Ur-Colonia from 1916.
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