There’s something unique about the scent of bergamot that just reels you in – it’s fresh, crisp and gives a perfume that clean vibe you can notice right away. Ever sprayed a perfume on your wrist and instantly liked the way it smelled? There’s a good chance bergamot had something to do with it.
But what exactly is bergamot? Is it just another citrus note, or is there more to it?
In this blog, we’ll break down what it is that makes bergamot so special and loved – how it smells, where it originates from, why perfumers love it so much and how you can spot this ingredient in any perfume. So whether you’re just starting out your perfume journey or simply curious about the hype around bergamot, we’ve got you covered!
Let’s get started.
What is Bergamot?
Often described as a cross between an orange and a lime, bergamot is typically grown in the Calabria region of southern Italy, thriving in the warm, sunny weather.
While bergamot is not typically eaten due to its overpowering sour taste, it’s more popular for its aromatic peel. It contains an oil that has taken the perfume world by a storm. This essential oil that’s extracted from the peel’s rind gives bergamot its signature smell – fresh and zesty, with a touch of floral.
Bergamot balances brightness with depth, making it a truly special scent. It’s used in light, fresh colognes as well as deeper perfumes – that’s how versatile bergamot is. Did you know that the bergamot obsession isn’t just limited to perfumes; it’s also the key ingredient in earl grey tea!
The Scent Profile of Bergamot
The best way to describe the scent of bergamot is that it’s bright, crisp and full of life. It doesn’t just stop at zesty; it has a unique floral sweetness mixed with a slightly bitter edge, making it a very complex scent and different from other citruses.
When you take the first whiff of bergamot, you’ll be hit with a burst of fresh scent. As the scent settles down, you’ll start noticing subtle hints of floral notes. What makes bergamot truly special is how the bitterness balances out the sweetness of the floral, giving it a well-rounded, refined scent profile.
Since bergamot leans towards the fresh, floral and sweet side, it’s quite versatile and can be paired with a wide range of ingredients. For example, Venetian Bergamot by Tom Ford combines bergamot with woody and white floral notes, making it one of the most popular bergamot perfumes of all time.
Why Perfumers Love Bergamot So Much
We’ve already discussed that bergamot is a very versatile ingredient and adds a refreshing complexity to any fragrance. As a top note, it’s bright and full of energy, instantly giving a burst of crisp citrusy scent. But even as a middle note, bergamot blends seamlessly with other notes – whether it’s paired with florals like jasmine or roses, warm woods or spices.
Now, let’s talk about the longevity of bergamot. It’s known to enhance the lasting power of any fragrance it’s a part of. As a top note, its vibrant character provides a great opening. And as a middle or base note, it gives a perfume a certain depth and character that’s loved and cherished by many perfume enthusiasts around the world.
Bergamot in Fragrance Families
Bergamot is one of those notes that shows up in a wide range of perfumes, and for good reason. It's super adaptable and works beautifully with so many different scent families. Here’s how it blends with some of the most popular fragrance styles:
- Citrus/cologne: if you’ve ever tried a classic eau de cologne, there’s a good chance bergamot was one of the first things you smelled. Its bright, zesty freshness makes it the perfect opening note for these light, refreshing fragrances
- Floral: Bergamot pairs beautifully with soft florals like jasmine, giving the scent a crisp, uplifting and energetic quality that balances out the sweetness. Think of it like a breath of fresh air in the middle of a blooming garden.
- Woody: You’d think bergamot pairs well with only fresh and other citrus scents. Well, that’s where you’re wrong. It also blends well with deeper, richer notes like sandalwood or cedar.
Popular Bergamot Perfumes
Bergamot isn’t just a hidden gem in perfumery – it’s the star ingredient of many iconic fragrances. Here are a few that showcase its versatility:
Dior Sauvage
We can’t not talk about this perfume. Dior Sauvage is known for its fresh, bold character and guess what’s the top note? Calabrian bergamot. In initial spritzes, you smell the citrus right away. Paired with other notes like pepper and ambroxan, the bergamot helps create a scent that feels both modern and timeless at the same time.
Acqua Di Parma Colonia
One of the classic citrus fragrances, this is a must try if you love a burst of freshness upon the first spray. The bergamot in Acqua Di Parma Colonia is the perfect balance of bright and refined, making it the ideal scent for a sunny day out.
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre
In this perfume, you’ll experience the softer, floral side of bergamot. Combined with jasmine and grapefruit, it’s a light, uplifting and youthful scent that’s perfect for spring. The bergamot adds a crisp, fresh opening, making it a much loved fragrance in the perfume world.
How to Choose a Bergamot Scent For Yourself
Choosing the right bergamot perfume comes down to your personal preference, style and the occasion you want to wear it for. Let us help you out by sharing a few tips so you can find your perfect match:
Time of Day
Since bergamot has a very fresh, citrusy scent, it’s the perfect choice for day time wear or for warmer, summer days. If you're after something light and invigorating to start your day, a bergamot-heavy fragrance will give you that burst of energy.
Season
Lots of people prefer bergamot during the spring and summer months. Its citrusy vibrancy fits perfectly with the lightness of these seasons, making it a great choice for daytime wear. But if you want to wear your favorite bergamot scent during the winter days, you can try pairing it with deeper scents like sandalwood or amber.
Testing Tips
We recommend testing it on your skin instead of your clothes. Your first impression might be that it’s too citrusy, too bright but once it settles on the skin, it reveals layers of floral or spicy notes that might not be prominent on a paper strip.
Parting Notes
Bergamot is one of those notes that just makes everything feel brighter. It brings an instant burst of freshness, but it’s the subtle depth and complexity that really make it stand out. No wonder it’s such a popular ingredient among perfumers and loved by many perfume enthusiasts.
At Fragrant Villa, we’ve got a collection of many types of bergamot-infused perfumes that really showcase their charm, so why not give them a try? Check them out now at https://fragrantvilla.com/
