Acqua di Portofino

Acqua di Portofino is the signature scent of the Italian house of the same name, composed by Maurizio Cerizza and released in 2000. Spicy is the word everyone uses for it; about two thirds also find it woody and citrusy, and a third musky, aromatic or leathery.

The top pairs lemon and tangerine, bright and slightly sweet, with tarragon, which adds a green, anise-like herbal note that is unusual in a citrus opening. The heart is warmly spiced: cardamom brings a cool, aromatic lift, coriander a lemony warmth, and nutmeg a sweet, woody heat, while lavender adds a clean herbal calm and pittosporum a soft, honeyed, orange-blossom-like floral tone. The base of vetiver, patchouli and musk is dry, earthy and smooth, so the drydown is woody and slightly leathery rather than sweet.

Acqua di Portofino is worn by anyone. Its herbal, spiced citrus character suits spring and summer days, and it should appeal to someone who likes Mediterranean colognes with more spice and depth than usual.

Acqua di Portofino — unisex fragrance by Acqua di Portofino (released 2000). Top notes: Tangerine, Lemon, Tarragon. Heart notes: Pitosporum, Lavender, Coriander, Nutmeg, Cardamom. Base notes: Vetiver, Musk, Patchouli. — Parfica open fragrance database