In the first part of our olfactory journey through Italy, we discovered the fascinating nuances of Basilico in my article Mediterranean Fragrance Poetry – The New Intenso Collection by Carthusia and were enchanted by the aromatic, sparkling freshness and vitalizing energy of this fragrance. Today we are focusing on the next two creations in the collection: Ginestra and Mirto. With these two new fragrances, Carthusia continues its journey through the olfactory landscape of the south. In their own way, both reflect the elemental power and gentle beauty of Mediterranean nature – sometimes floral and sun-kissed, sometimes tart and aromatic.
Ginestra tells of the golden-yellow, beguilingly fragrant flowers that grow on the sun-warmed slopes of Italy’s coasts – wild, radiant, imbued with the light of the south. Mirto, on the other hand, is intended to bring us closer to the tart, spicy aura of myrtle, the evergreen plant that has been a symbol of purity and sensuality since ancient times. Today we are focusing on these two fragrance creations from the Intenso Collection, which were once again created by perfumers Antoine Lie and Luca Maffei. Not just perfumes – but a subtle homage to the landscapes, aromas and fragrances of Italy.
Ginestra – Sunshine yellow flowers
With Ginestra, Carthusia pays homage to one of the most mysterious flowers in the Mediterranean: the bright yellow broom, also known as the broom of the broom or Spanish broom. The broom can be found wherever the sun meets the rocky coastline and the wind carries the scent of the maquis. Especially on the slopes of the Amalfi Coast, on Capri and in the rolling hills of Tuscany, it shines in rich yellow – a symbol of the wild, untamed beauty of Italy.
Perfumers Antoine Lie and Luca Maffei translate this unique atmosphere into a fragrant composition that combines the ingredients neroli, bergamot, lemon leaves, broom, jasmine, tuberose, vanilla, sandalwood and musk.
Ginestra is more than just a floral fragrance – it is a fragrance reminiscent of the light and warmth of the south. The feeling of standing on a hill overlooking the glittering sea, the chirping of crickets in your ear, a sunny breeze wafting around your nose, carrying with it the scent of flowering broom bushes.
From the very first second, Ginestra unfolds its powdery, floral and sweet facets. Radiant like a mimosa and beguilingly intense, the broom reveals itself in all its splendor. Fresh accents of lemon leaves and bergamot lend the fragrance a greenish-tart liveliness. Creamy white flowers such as tuberose and jasmine complement the composition, with the tuberose in particular being clearly perceptible, but without pushing itself to the fore. Overall, Ginestra is transparent and light, with a pleasant presence. The creation is gently rounded off with warm sandalwood and velvety musk, which harmoniously underline the powdery softness of the fragrance.
Ginestra is a sunny, summery floral fragrance whose bright yellow color was not chosen by chance. Accompanied by sensual floral nuances, this composition is an expressive yet transparent homage to the lush flora of Italy, which perfumers Antoine Lie and Luca Maffei have captured in full bloom. Radiant, elegant and full of Mediterranean lightness, Ginestra is the ideal companion for warm days – a must-try for all those who love powdery-sweet floral fragrances.
Mirto – the fragrant soul of Italy
With Mirto, Carthusia pays homage to a plant that carries the soul of the Mediterranean like no other. Especially on Capri, the home of the traditional fragrance house, the evergreen myrtle grows in wild luxuriance on steep coastal slopes and in sun-drenched gardens. Its glossy leaves and delicate white flowers exude a fine, aromatic, fresh fragrance that has not only beguiled the senses for centuries, but also has a firm place in medicine and Mediterranean cuisine. Botanically, myrtle belongs to the Myrtaceae family and has been a symbol of purity, virginity, love and immortality since ancient times. In Mirto, the perfume duo Maffei and Lie combine the ingredients juniper, davana, ginger, myrtle, rose, osmanthus, musk, cedarwood and patchouli.
Tart, sparkling and woody-citrusy, Mirto has a surprisingly cool start to the fragrance before the liqueur-like dried fruit nuances of davana, sweet myrtle and the velvety, peachy and lovely notes of osmanthus and rose enter the composition and give it a completely different olfactory direction. Fruity-sweet, with clear rose accents, creamy, earthy patchouli and soft, woody cedarwood, Mirto is an airy, transparent and summery fragrance that is extremely pleasant.
“Less myrtle, more rose” is Mirto’s credo. The creation is definitely floral, although the fruity sweetness – certainly reminiscent of the bluish berries of myrtle, from which a wonderful sweet liqueur is also made in Sardinia – is not to be sneezed at. I initially found the tart and woody-tingling opening irritating, but the olfactory picture soon changed with the emergence of the flowers. An uncomplicated and pleasant fragrance companion for every occasion and every occasion, which I personally would rather wear in the warmer months of the year. A great conclusion to this very special trio from Carthusia, which once again brings us closer to the special atmosphere and impressive landscapes of Italy.
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