Barbicaja - meaning “untamable house” - was the name of the Spoturno family estate overlooking the Bay of Ajaccio. Settled in Corsica since the 16th century, the Spoturno family were pioneers in cultivating orange trees along the Route des Sanguinaires, where the scent of their blossoms mingled with the sea breeze. Composed by Christophe Sheldrake, Barbicaja evokes the lighthearted spirit of the Belle Époque, when the estate was a radiant retreat filled with laughter, friendship, and the perfume of flowers at dusk. It captures the memory of those sunlit gardens—the shimmer of sea air, the sweetness of orange blossom and jasmine, and the soft warmth of evening light over the Mediterranean. A fragrance of joyful elegance, Barbicaja opens with a vibrant floral freshness reminiscent of a florist’s atelier—dewy stems, cut grass, and tender hyacinth. At its heart, orange blossom, tuberose, and jasmine grandiflorum bloom together with a luscious apricot accord, a nod to Corsican fruit and sun. The scent settles into a gentle embrace of cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, and vanilla, leaving a trail that is both refined and carefree—like the promise of an endless summer evening. Perfumer Christophe Sheldrake began his career at Charabot in Grasse before joining Chanel, where his refined artistry took shape. Renowned for his visionary work with Serge Lutens, Sheldrake brings his poetic precision and bold experimentation to Spoturno, blending heritage and innovation in perfect harmony. OLFACTIVE NOTES Top Notes: Fresh floral accord, freesia, lily of the valley, hyacinth Middle Notes: Orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine Grandiflorum, apricot Base Notes: Cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, vanilla ABOUT SPORTUNO Spoturno is a company founded by Véronique Spoturno, whose mission is to perpetuate the exceptional olfactory work of her great-grandfather, François Spoturno, known as Coty, founder of modern perfumery. Drawing from an inexhaustible source of inspiration, the house seeks to transcend Coty’s innovative, pioneering, and audacious spirit to create new masterpieces for today. As the bearer of this prestigious heritage—holder of the family name, coat of arms, and the original formulas of nearly all her ancestor’s creations—Véronique Coty brings together experts and passionate artisans to build a French Haute Parfumerie brand rooted in authenticity, meaning, and commitment. Faithful to the visionary, aesthetic, and daring spirit of her great-grandfather, she continues to write a new chapter in this remarkable legacy. An exceptional brand DNA with rare assets and global resonance, Spoturno embodies the values of modern luxury: artistic excellence, innovation, and the enduring beauty of true craftsmanship.
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