Petitgrain Bergamotier (Calabria) Essential Oil

PETITGRAIN BERGAMOTIER (CALABRIA) ESSENTIAL OIL

Manufacturer: CAPUA 1880

Botanical name: Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau

Plant part: Leaves and branches

Country of origin: Calabria (Italy)

Country of manufacturing: Calabria (Italy)

Extraction method: Steam distillation

DESCRIPTION

Petitgrain Bergamotier is an essential oil obtained by distilling the leaves and young twigs of the bergamot tree, Citrus bergamia, cultivated in Calabria and processed by Capua 1880, a Calabrian company with a tradition in the production and processing of citrus essential oils dating back to 1880. Bergamot is one of the main specialities of the Capua 1880 supply chain and an aromatic excellence closely associated with the Calabrian territory.

Unlike traditional bergamot essential oil, obtained primarily from the peel of the fruit, Petitgrain Bergamotier highlights the green parts of the plant. This profoundly changes its olfactory profile: the citrusy sweetness of the peel gives way to a more green, leafy, aromatic, and floral composition, while retaining the characteristic luminosity of bergamot.

Distillation of the green parts produces a particularly interesting raw material for the perfumer, as it combines some of the characteristics of bergamot with nuances reminiscent of Petitgrain and Neroli.

The comparison with classic Petitgrain, obtained primarily from Citrus aurantium var. amara, is particularly interesting: Petitgrain Bergamotier carries the distinctive signature of Calabrian bergamot, more citrusy, luminous, and refined, with a floral component that can recall green Neroli. Bitter Orange Petitgrain, on the other hand, generally presents a more green, herbaceous, aromatic, and bitter character, particularly suited to the construction of classic Cologne, fougère, and aromatic accords.

The result is an elegant and versatile natural material, characterised by a green-citrusy and subtly bitter opening, followed by a softer floral and aromatic component.

PERFUMERY

Petitgrain Bergamotier is particularly interesting for the construction of citrusy, green, aromatic, floral, and Cologne fragrances, but it can also be used to modify more complex structures.

In citrus accords, it offers a greener and more structured alternative to classic bergamot from the peel. It can be used alongside Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin, Yuzu, and Bitter Orange to create more complex citrus openings in which the green character of the plant remains perceptible.

It is particularly effective in fresh compositions, where it contributes to creating a natural transition between the citrus top notes and the aromatic heart.

Compared with bergamot essential oil, Petitgrain Bergamotier tends to be less juicy and less sweet, but greener, more aromatic, and more leafy. This characteristic makes it useful when an overly bright or one-dimensional citrus accord is to be avoided.

It is also highly interesting in floral accords, particularly alongside Jasmine, classic Petitgrain, Ylang-Ylang, and Lavender. Its green component creates a natural connection between the flower and the vegetal aspect of the plant.

In aromatic and fougère accords, it can be combined with Lavender, Rosemary, Clary Sage, and Basil, introducing a citrusy freshness that keeps the heart dynamic and luminous.

It is also highly interesting in green compositions, where it can be used alongside Galbanum, Violet Leaf, Basil, Mastic, and other vegetal raw materials.

In contemporary perfumery, it can also be used to add greater naturalness to clean, musky, and transparent accords, particularly alongside white musks, Hedione, Iso E Super, Ambrox, and modern citrus materials.

From a formulation perspective, it can function both as an evolved top note extending into the heart and as a modifier capable of introducing a green and floral facet into a citrus accord.

Olfactory family: Green

Olfactory pyramid: Heart note

AROMATHERAPY

Petitgrain Bergamotier is particularly interesting in aromatic blends and ambient diffusion thanks to its fresh, green, citrusy, and floral profile.

Its olfactory composition allows balanced synergies to be created with other citrus, floral, and aromatic essential oils. It blends particularly harmoniously with Bergamot, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Mandarin, Lavender, Ylang-Ylang, Frankincense, and Cedarwood.

Compared with Bitter Orange Petitgrain, it can offer a more distinctly citrusy and luminous facet while retaining the green dimension characteristic of the leaves.

In aromatherapy, it is therefore particularly interesting for its fresh and harmonising olfactory profile, suited to compositions intended for ambient fragrancing and aromatic rituals.

COSMETICS

In cosmetics, Petitgrain Bergamotier is primarily used as a fragrance ingredient for formulations requiring a fresh, green, citrusy, and floral character.

It can be incorporated into body creams, lotions, body oils, shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, soaps, deodorants, and personal care products, helping to create clean, natural, and sophisticated olfactory profiles.

It is particularly interesting in cosmetic formulations seeking a less conventional citrus signature than simple Orange or Lemon. Its green and floral component allows more complex and less linear fragrances to be created.

Combined with Neroli and Orange Blossom, it can also contribute to the development of an elegant citrus-floral accord, while with Lavender, Geranium, and Clary Sage it allows greener and more natural aromatic profiles to be created.