Vêpres Siciliennes Parfums MDCI 2009

The Chypre, which symbolizes the scents of the South and its landscapes, traditionally consists of a chord of bergamot, labdanum, galbanum, oakmoss, and patchouli.

The perfumer knows two types of Chypre:

The floral Chypre (example Coco Mademoiselle) weaves the Chypre ingredients with classic notes like rose, jasmine, or lily of the valley.

The fruity Chypre (example Mitsouko) uses fruit notes such as peach, apricot, strawberry, and lychee for rounding.

When a Chypre is garnished with spices or resins, the bridge to the oriental scent is established.

But what is Vepres Siciliennes?

It contains fruits, flowers, and many gourmand notes like butter toffee, velvety coconut, and I recognize Sicilian almond pastries.

Is Vepres Siciliennes a new gourmand Chypre? Or a fruity Chypre with gourmand notes?

Since I know Sicily and its culinary delights from several trips, I find the translated title of the fragrance "Sicilian Delicacies" justified.

In my mind's eye, I sit on a piazza in Taormina overlooking the majestic peak of Mount Etna. Lemon and orange trees are blooming everywhere. Their leafy green provides a cool shade.

A fruit vendor with peaches, apricots, plums, and raspberries passes by with his small three-wheeled vehicle. The scent of his goods mixes with my vanilla ice cream, which has a hint of cardamom added. I bite into my almond cookie.

A woman wearing a violet perfume walks by and smiles at me. Her scent lingers with me for quite a while, and in my mouth, it tastes slightly soapy and of violets. The soapiness blends with creamy melted butter toffee that has a hint of herbs and moss.

I breathe in, as the clear fruity air of the South mixes with a light African breeze carrying new delicacies and spices. This wind is just a gentle dry breath, ensuring that I do not sink into the delights and come back down to earth.