With the new Intenso Collection, Carthusia presents a fascinating interplay of powerful fragrance language, clear composition and Mediterranean lifestyle. The collection comprises three new creations – Basilico, Mirto and Ginestra – whose intensity, colorfulness and radiance are intended to symbolize the power of nature in the Mediterranean region. As the name suggests, this line is deliberately expressive and intense: full of depth, full of character, full of energy. At the same time, it always remains elegant and clear, as we know it from the Italian niche fragrance brand.
I was able to discover the three bottles in the window of the Casa Carthusia boutique during my visit to the fragrance fair in Milan. Unfortunately, we were out of opening hours at the time, so I wasn’t able to test the three new products there. But today I have samples and nothing stands in the way of testing them. As soon as you look at the bottles and their colors, you can tell that this collection is about more than just smelling good. It tells of a landscape, an attitude to life, a deep connection with the nature and culture of Italy.
Intenso Collection – Homage to the Mediterranean soul
The Intenso Collection is more than just a new fragrance line – it is an olfactory declaration of love to Italy and the soul of the Mediterranean. To that unique light that falls golden yellow on lemon trees in the afternoon. To gardens filled with herbs, salt air and the scent of flowers in summer. Quiet moments by the sea, when time seems to stand still for a moment.
The collection was inspired by the unique nature of Italy and in particular by the island of Capri – the place where the history of Carthusia began. As early as 1380, a Carthusian monk is said to have created the island’s first perfume from flowers – a legend that still shapes the character of the brand today: rich in tradition, close to nature and full of emotion.
The three fragrances in the Intenso Collection – Basilico, Mirto and Ginestra – each pick up on a characteristic element of this Mediterranean world. The freshness of green herbs, the tart, spicy depth of wild myrtle and the bright yellow radiance of broom. Each fragrance is like a window into a different facet of Italy: sensual, intense, powerful. With their clear color nuances – a lush green, a cool lilac tone and sunny yellow – the flacons subtly refer to the botanical protagonists of the compositions. They are representative of the pure, Mediterranean nature that Carthusia brings to life in the Intenso Collection in a way that is as elegant as it is expressive.
Basilico – herbal fragrance rethought
First of all, we would like to take a closer look at Basilico. The fragrance in Carthusia’s Intenso Collection is dedicated to a plant that represents the Mediterranean lifestyle like no other: basil. Since ancient times, the green herb has been an integral part not only of Mediterranean dishes, but also of traditional medicinal and aromatic recipes. Its characteristic aroma is refreshing, aromatic and slightly spicy – and immediately evokes associations with sunlit gardens, warm stone walls and the gentle chirping of crickets.
With Basilico, perfumers Luca Maffei and Antoine Lie bring the well-known and popular plant from the labiate family into a new context. Their interpretation is of course neither purely culinary nor traditionally aromatherapeutic. Rather, it creates a bridge between natural freshness and olfactory depth. The two fragrance artists, who have already produced numerous iconic creations, combine the ingredients bergamot, mandarin, pink pepper, basil, tea, jasmine, cashmeran, patchouli and vetiver in Basilico in a modern, almost poetic way. As a result, they do not create a classic herbal fragrance, but an olfactory facet of basil that is as clear as it is refined.
Basilico is a fragrance that tells the story of the present while looking to the future with the timeless elegance of Carthusia. Basilico transforms tradition into a contemporary fragrance experience, with a fresh, vibrant and irresistibly modern composition.
Basilico opens with a vitalizing freshness: the sparkling citrus notes of bergamot and mandarin lend the opening a lively, almost invigorating lightness – like the cool clarity of a summer morning on Capri. As the fragrance progresses, a subtle peppery spiciness is added, giving the fragrance a subtle spiciness. It is accompanied by the green, aromatic herbal notes of basil – the protagonist of this composition – which are elegantly intercepted and embraced by gentle tea nuances. In the background, jasmine and cashmeran lend the composition a velvety, fluffy softness that gently covers the fresh herbs like a warm veil. Gradually, light, woody-creamy accents of patchouli and vetiver are added. They lend Basilico depth and structure without weighing it down and allow it to fade away in a wonderful way.
Carthusia ‘s perfume is not a 1:1 replica of the aroma of basil, not a classic herbal fragrance, but a finely balanced, greenish-citrusy and summery-sparkling composition that plays with Mediterranean freshness and clarity. Basilico is a modern, elegant and light and airy creation that does not have to be loud to make an impression. An uncomplicated and absolutely pleasant companion for every occasion and every occasion. Seasonally, I would wear Basilico more in spring and summer as well as on warmer fall days. Simply beautiful! 💚🌿
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