I often ask myself whether there really need to be variations of a good and successful fragrance, especially under the same name. Some scents bask only in the glow of the well-known name, yet remind too little of the original or are so similar that rehashing them without distinction seems pointless. With Essenza di Roma Uomo, however, this has been very well achieved - at least this time.
The marble of the packaging has turned out a bit darker and brown, almost chocolate-like. The bottle retains its column shape, still satin-finished, but the brown color either recalls the dark stone of the packaging or the woods contained in the fragrance. Some may even think of metabolic end products, but that would be doing the fragrance a great disservice. The silver cap provides a successful counterpoint and stylishly elevates the bottle. It is certainly not to everyone's taste, but it is not bad either.
With the first spray, one immediately recognizes the origin of the fragrance. While one initially tastes fresh and fruity notes of bergamot and mandarin, which still become noticeable after some time, the spicy and characteristically soft-warm notes of Roma quickly emerge from their cover. The Mediterranean spices in Essenza, however, are more balanced compared to heliotrope, the woods, and vanilla, providing clearer accents than one is used to with the classic.
Thus, the fragrance becomes somewhat lighter and more suitable for everyday wear. The absolute presence is still there and compared to many other current fragrances, it is quite immense. However, the fragrance has shed some of its heaviness and finds its volume in bitter, spicy, and slightly floral notes. The original character of Roma is immediately recognizable and can be promptly named. I like that, very much. Nevertheless, Essenza is still not a fragrance for every occasion and every season. For the warm season, it still has too little freshness for me, and for the office, it still has too much volume. Even with this edition, a moderate, if not humble, application is still required.
Roma experiences a small renaissance with Essenza. Although it leaves the sales staff a bit puzzled with its introduction in summer. Give it a little time. The character remains, it has just developed and expanded a bit. Extremely positive, in my opinion!
For me, it's better, more wearable, rounder, etc. than the original.
I wear the Roma in the summer too ;-)