Cipresso di Toscana

Notes: grapefruit, petitgrain, basil, clary sage, rosemary, jasmine, muguet, cardamom, fern, pine needles, coriander, cypress, oakmoss

The most masculine of Acqua di Parma's Blu Mediterraneo line, Cipresso di Toscana is bracingly refreshing, like a crisp breeze scented by citrus trees and gardens of herbs.  The opening is a dry citrus, but one that is not particularly grapefruity, with a feeling very much like a classic Eau de Cologne. 

After the initial citrus burst, Cipresso is green, a dark forest green. The herbs peek through, definite basil, sage, and later, rosemary.  Still later, the scent is warmed slightly with the sweet spice of cardamom and finally the cypress and oakmoss form the deliciously fragrant base.

Where the other three scents in the Blu Mediterraneo line are firmly unisex, particularly the lovely Fico di Amalfi, I can't imagine Cipresso on a woman.  It seems a bit too aggressively male to me, but perhaps my nose has been trained by years of smelling traditional men's fragrances, particularly those worn by my father.  In any case, I can not wear this one at all.  If you are a woman, and enjoy wearing this scent, I'd love to know why and how and if it works with your body chemistry.