Acqua di Parma have launched a new Limited Edition fragrance for the Summer, Bergamotto di Calabria La Spugnatura. As with all the fragrances in the Blu Mediterraneo Collection, they each take inspiration from a specific part of the Italian Mediterranean, the origin for this fragrance being the beautiful bergamot fields of Calabria. It is here where a special and rare process of juice extraction by hand is used; “La Spugnatura”. Practiced by only a few artisans in the world, the bergamot essence is manually extracted in this fascinating traditional process, a true art which requires time and skilful, precise gestures.
The new fragrance of Bergamotto di Calabria La Spugnatura by Acqua di Parma revolves around the artisanship, the human touch, and the fullness of nature. A limited edition born from using a unique essential oil extracted using a time-honoured artisan technique, which makes the world of the Blu Mediterraneo fragrances even more special.
A project long nurtured by the Maison which has always loved to preserve the oldest and most valuable artisanal processes of the Italian micro-territories. The origin of this new fragrance is deeply rooted to the bergamot fields of Calabria, where very few artisans in the world still practise the old sponging technique. A fascinating traditional process, which results in the complete manual extraction of the bergamot essence.
A true art which requires time and skilful, precise, delicate gestures. The artisan cuts each fruit in two equal halves with a well-sharpened knife. Then, using a utensil in the shape of a spoon called “cavatore”, he separates the skin from the pulp. Immediately after, the bergamot rinds are manually rubbed on sea sponges which thus absorb all the essence. In the final phase, the artisan squeezes the sponges full of essential oil with precise movements inside a terracotta container, in order to collect the precious scented liquid.
The limitedness and therefore the uniqueness of the essence depend on the human production capacity. Two artisans manage to go through between 75 to 100 kg of fruit in an hour and at least 200 kg are required to obtain one kilogram of essential oil. In one day of hard work, around 4 kg of essential oil are collected, but the result is inimitable. The sponge, malleable and soft in contact with the rind, preserves all the facets of the fruit and it is this unique sillage which distinguishes the Bergamotto di Calabria La Spugnatura.
Designed exclusively in the 100ml format, Bergamotto di Calabria La Spugnatura is made with care up to the very last detail. The pump can be separated from the bottle thanks to a screw top, obtained with a special grinding technique specially developed for Acqua di Parma. It is this screw pump which allows refills of the fragrance, exclusively available from Acqua di Parma Boutiques due to the rarity of the essence.
A masterpiece of craftsmanship, the bottle is such a particular and refined object that it feels only natural to preserve it to embellish the interior of one’s own house.
The iconic cylindrical box is wrapped in PSC certified paper set in a special blue tone, in perfect harmony with the blue tone of the porcelain bottle. The label is also produced with waste powder from marble quarries. Finally, to stamp the uniqueness of the fragrance, the small golden seal which portrays the Bergamot fruit and carries the engraved words “Limited Edition – La Spugnatura”.
A fragrance of inimitable charm, which rises from the human and natural history which it recounts.
