What does the word bergamot mean?
The word "bergamot" is derived from the Turkish "beg-armudu", meaning "lord's pear". The name may have been given in honor of a Turkish nobleman who introduced the fruit to Europe. Bergamot has been cultivated for centuries in Calabria, where it is used to make the famous Earl Grey tea. However, it was only later that its oil began to be used in the cosmetics and perfume industries.
In the beginning...
In ancient times, bergamot was used by the Greeks and Romans for its medicinal properties, notably to treat digestive disorders and fever. Later, it became a luxury product in Europe, used to perfume gloves and handkerchiefs. In the 19th century, bergamot essential oil became a popular ingredient in perfumes, notably with the creation of the famous 4711 perfume, which uses bergamot as its main note. Today, bergamot is a treasured ingredient in the perfume industry, beloved for its fresh, subtle scent that adds sophistication to any olfactory composition.
DID YOU KNOW? Bergamot is a citrus fruit native to the Calabria region of Italy, but its exact origin remains a mystery. Some believe it is the result of a cross between a bitter orange and a lime, but there is no absolute certainty.
Bergamot Cultivation
Growing bergamot requires specific conditions. It is mainly found in regions with a warm, humid climate and fertile, well-drained soil. In Italy, particularly in the Calabria region, the bergamot is carefully cultivated in orchards on terraces, set on steep hills to ensure optimal drainage.
The process begins with the selection of top-quality seedlings, generally obtained by grafting or cuttings. These plants are then planted in specially designed orchards, providing the ideal conditions for their growth. Bergamot trees prefer a warm, humid climate, with temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.
They thrive in fertile, well-drained soil. In Italy, bergamot orchards are often planted on steep, terrace hillsides, allowing optimal soil drainage. Although regular watering is necessary, it is important to avoid excess humidity to prevent fungal diseases.
The bergamot generally blooms between February and March. The flowers exude a delicate fragrance and attract pollinators such as bees. Pollination is essential to ensure the formation of fruit.
The bergamot fruit harvest begins in November and continues until March. The fruit is picked by hand to avoid damaging the delicate skin. Once harvested, the fruits are sorted to select quality fruits and eliminate those that do not meet ripeness criteria. The bergamots are then stored in wooden crates, ready for transfer to the processing plants.
What did you know about bergamots in perfumery?
Bergamot is often described as having a pleasant, fresh, zesty scent. It is widely used in the perfume industry, mainly as a top note in many perfumes and eaux de toilette for men and women.
Its use in perfumery dates many centuries in Italy, where it was originally cultivated for its medicinal virtues. Over time, bergamot has become an essential ingredient in the most famous scents in the world of perfume, owing to its distinctive fresh, citrusy scent. It is often combined with floral notes such as rose, jasmine and lavender to create elegant, refined fragrances. In combination with other citrus fruits such as lemon and orange, bergamot creates light, refreshing fragrances, perfect for the summer season.
Bergamot is commonly used as a top note to bring freshness and lightness to compositions. It infuses energy and vitality while offering a subtle, elegant fragrance. Combined with floral or other citrus notes, it offers a wide range of olfactory accords, from delicate to more intense fragrances. Moreover, Bergamot can also be used in the heart and base notes in scents to enhance the overall fragrance.
It should be noted that bergamot can also be used in heart and bottom notes in certain perfume compositions.
INTERESTING FACT! Bergamot is much more than an iconic ingredient in perfumery and skincare. Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its soothing properties, to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. It is also beneficial for digestion, relieving nausea, bloating and abdominal pain. Cooking-wise, bergamot is famous for flavoring desserts, and it is a key ingredient in Earl Grey tea. Moreover, it is used to create Bergamotto liqueur, appreciated for its bitter taste and sweetness.
Some popular bergamot perfumes…
Bergamot is a popular note in perfumery, and there are several well-known bergamot fragrances that feature this citrusy ingredient. Here are some examples:
• The Rivières de Cartier collection includes the fragrance Rivières Allégresse, an eau de toilette inspired by river landscapes and the surrounding nature. With fresh and luminous notes, this perfume evokes a sense of joy and provides an immediate feeling of cleanliness. Presented in a vibrant yellow bottle, it combines bergamot, petitgrain, blackcurrant bud, and tuberose to create a green and delicate composition.
• Bergamote 22 by Le Labo is a unisex fragrance that is part of the "City Exclusive" collection. Le Labo Bergamote 22 Eau de Parfum highlights bergamot, combined with sparkling citrus notes and woody elements, offering a fresh and sophisticated scent.
• Bergamotto di Calabria La Spugnatura Acqua di Parma is a delightful fragrance that captures the essence of the Calabrian bergamot in a fresh and uplifting way. The bergamot note is the star of the fragrance, capturing the essence of the Calabrian land and its sun-drenched citrus groves.
• Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Forte Eau de Parfum is characterized by its radiant and luminous composition with a burst of fresh citruses, including the top notes of Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian lemon. The base notes of this citrus scent consist of light musk and a blend of precious woods, enhancing the overall allure of the fragrance.
• The scent of Amazing Grace Bergamot Eau de Toilette Spray is characterized by its bright and invigorating composition. It opens with a burst of zesty bergamot, provides a sparkling and energizing effect, creating a sense of positivity and radiance.
• Furthermore, there are other famous bergamot perfumes like Armani My Way, Armaf Club de Nuit for men, Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot, Tom Ford Black Orchid, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium and Aqua Allegoria Bergamote Calabria by Guerlain. Jean Paul Gaultier has Ultra Male and La Belle for men and women respectively.
Bergamot X Bon Parfumeur
Bon Parfumeur is a French brand that offers a wide variety of products, all guaranteed to be made in France. Here are the best bergamot perfumes that might interest you:
• Eau de parfum 001: A must-have fragrance loved for its comforting and always elegant sweetness, best for summer days. A sparkling trio of citrus awakens this timeless cologne. Bergamot and lavandin blend with the softness of orange blossom, and musky base notes provide longevity. More than just a fresh cologne, it becomes a part of us.
• Eau de parfum 601: Timeless elegance in a bottle. It features zesty and fresh notes of bergamot, grapefruit, and pink pepper. In the heart, you'll find a violet leaf that brings a green dimension. In the background, vetiver and cedar reveal their intense and rich woody facets. If you want a refined and chic olfactory signature, our 601 is the perfect choice!
Now that you have become well-versed in bergamot in perfumery, feel free to visit our website or come directly to our store to explore more options!
