Bergamot

Bergamot, or citrus bergamia by its scientific name, is a tree of the rutaceae family. It is the fruit of the bergamot tree, and it remains unclear whether it is a bitter orange or a lime… Surely a cross between the two. Its flesh is slightly acidic and bitter and it weighs between 80g and 200g maximum. Bergamot is found mainly in Calabria (Italy), but it can also be found in Guinea and Brazil. Bergamot essential oil is widely used, as it possesses numerous medicinal properties. For a very long time, bergamot has delighted perfumers with its sweet, tangy and sparkling scent.

Bergamot, an essential of perfumery

The first bergamot tree was planted in 1750… And perfume creators have used it ever since. Bergamot's fruity and sweet notes enliven every fragrance, inevitably refreshing the mind. Fragrances containing bergamot are meant to be reassuring and harmonizing. Moreover, bergamot has anxiolytic properties and instills self-confidence. This reinforces the assurance of those who wear it, freeing them from possible outside pressures. In 1925, Guerlain was the first to introduce so much bergamot into a fragrance, and caused a sensation with its fragrance Shalimar, still as beloved by women today… Today, it is not only Guerlain, but the whole of perfumery that can no longer do without bergamot!

Bergamot's pairings

Bergamot is mainly used in top notes, with chypre, fougère and oriental accords. Bergamot, which belongs to the citrus family, blends wonderfully with other scents of its family, as in Eau de Rochas by Rochas. Here, citrus notes blend subtly with bergamot. The result is an ultra-fresh and delightfully sparkling fragrance. On the men's side, no one can forget the legendary Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior… Moreover, bergamot also pairs just as well with floral fragrances. This is the case for Arpège by Lanvin, where bergamot, in the top notes, is blended in the heart notes with iris, ylang-ylang, rose, lily of the valley or jasmine. Indeed, this fragrance is a love story orchestrated by Jeanne Lanvin for her daughter Marie-Blanche. Another fragrance with strong character is a chypre accord combined with bergamot: Mitsouko by Guerlain, another love story where bergamot notes are subtly paired with peach, jasmine, oakmoss, vetiver… A gem!

Bergamot has been used for a very long time in perfumery, but also in essential oils, food and hygiene products. Its scent is sweet and sparkling, and perfume creators have known how to use bergamot wisely. Belonging to the citrus family, bergamot pairs perfectly well with floral or chypre scents, but it may also be found in certain oriental fragrances. Today, bergamot has carved out a place for itself. It has become an essential for international perfumery.