Lucca, Italy Gail Gross©

The morning sun blistered the ancient walls surrounding the city of Lucca. The cobbled streets were literally steaming. Many, if not most, of the 100 churches, the possible cool refuges from the heat, were closed or under construction. Despite the stifling atmosphere, one could still feel the history of the place. The heart of Lucca, on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, has been a thriving hub of commerce and culture since early Roman times. But, at that moment, in the heat, Lucca's colorful past mattered little to me. As the temperature soared above 36 C all I cared about was a spot of shade and some sort of refreshment to cool my fevered brow.

Acqua Dell Elba boutique in Lucca, Italy Gail Gross©

Just as I began wishing to be anywhere but Lucca, a lovely young woman stepped away from the entrance of a shop. "It is so hot today," she said in perfectly charming English. "Would you like to try our refreshing fragrances?" As I walked through the door I was convinced of serendipity.  Without intention or plan I found myself in the cool blue interior that defined the Lucca retail space of one of CaFleureBon's favorite perfume companies, Acqua Dell Elba . I was soon relieved by the scent of the sea, offered to me as an exquisite eau de parfum – Acqua Dell Elba Classica Donna 

Fabio Murzi Chiara Murzi and Marco Turoni Acqua Dell Elba©

The perfumery, Acqua Dell Elba,  was created in the late 1990s by three family members, Fabio Murzi, Chiara Murzi and Marco Turoni. Hailing from the Island of Elba, the trio was inspired by the scent of the sea, the ocean breezes and the perfumes of the flowers that defined their island home. Destiny, serendipity and enthusiasm propelled the three to create a family business that now has more than 28 single brand stores in European. Acqua Dell Elba fragrances are also offered through a large network of specialized perfume shops in Italy and, increasingly, throughout the world.  Acqua Dell Elba has gained steadily in popularity since it first began production in 2001. Today this special perfumery, inspired by the island of Elba, offers not only personal fragrances but a variety of spa and home scents as well.

Acqua Dell Elba Classica Donna Perfume set against one of Gail Gross' paintings©

Back to my story – the Acqua Dell Elba shop was the perfect refuge from the heat, a place for me to catch my breath, and renew my senses while testing the beautiful fragrances.  Nicoleta, the gracious SA, proudly presented the entire line. I loved everything but gravitated toward (and purchased) Acqua Dell Elba Classica Donna. Classica Donna opens with sea salt and flowers; a hint of medicinal myrtle, orange blossom, tart citrus and a breath of that round white sensuality that is gardenia. 

 

Photo from Acqua dell Elba

There is no doubt in my mind that Acqua Dell Elba Classica Donna is an aquatic fragrance – but nothing like the overwhelming and overtly wet aquatics of the past. Acqua Dell Elba Classica Donna is all about freshness and balance, about sea spray rather than sea water, an aquatic that will not drown the wearer but rather invigorate, calm and sooth. In the dry-down the floral character of Classica Donna comes to the fore. he skilled use of citrus keeps both aquatic and floral elements in check, creating balance, transparency and a distinctive impression of island freedom and elegance. After six hours, the morning sea breeze and the garden flowers retreat and fade.  I am left with the olfactory image of another wind, a warm zephyr, from the land this time, lifting and carrying perfumes from the island slopes, the scent of wild Mediterranean herbs and woody shrubs as they breathe and transpire in the late afternoon sunlight. Notes: Orange, orange blossom, myrtle, gardenia, citrus, jasmine, marine cistus and Mediterranean shrubs.

Disclaimer: My bottle of Acqua Dell Elba Classica Donna was a personal purchase.  My opinions are my own.

Gail Gross – Senior Editor

Art Direction – Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Thanks to the generosity of ADE Imports, the U.S.A. distributor of Acqua Dell Elba we have one 50 ml bottle of Classica Donna as well as the matching scented body lotion and soap available for one registered reader in The USA. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what appeals to you about Acqua Dell Elba  Classica Donna, based on Gail's review and what is the most calming island you have visited. Draw closes 8/14/208

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like ÇaFleureBon and use our Blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.