Scents and Sensibility
PHOTOGRAPHS Jurga Ramonaite, Marie Valognes
In a unique collaboration between The Merchant of Venice and writer Andrea di Robilant, the essence of the rare Moceniga Rose has been captured in a fragrance…
The story of the Moceniga Rose is long and fascinating one. Native to the plains of Central China, its name derives from its adopted Venetian family: the distinguished Mocenigos, who still own a historic residence in Alvisopoli, on the mainland of Venice. For more than 200 years, the residence has boasted a unique rose garden, with flowers originally imported from France by Lucia Mocenigo (thanks to her close friendship with Joséphine Bonaparte, the wife of Napoleon, who cultivated the famous rose garden at Malmaison).
One of the stars of that garden, today the flower grows wild in the Venetian countryside, its characteristic silvery-pink petals (with a colour that varies according to the plant’s blooming phases) and fruit-scented aroma adding an exotic element amid the local flora.
Discovering the rose growing wild in a park on Villa Mocenigo (the old farming estate in Alvisopoli), Andrea di Robilant, a writer and the great-great-great-great grandson of Lucia Mocenigo, became intrigued by the flower’s history, detailing its origins in his book Chasing the Rose (Sulle Tracce della Rosa Perduta).
Now, in a collaboration between Andrea di Robilant and The Merchant of Venice, the fragrance brand has created a scent that captures the essence of this mysterious bloom. Specifically formulated by a master perfumer using natural, raw ingredients, the Rosa Moceniga Eau de Parfum combines a head note of fresh Sicilian lemon, essence of Moceniga Rose and blackcurrant highlights; a floral heart note of rose absolute, magnolia and lotus flower; and a soft base note of musk, white cedarwood, vanilla absolute, and a sprinkling of amber crystals.
The project also includes an exclusive film and the creation of a magnificent rose garden in the Villa Vistorta – all to celebrate the elements of sensual, fresh beauty that make up this unique flower…
Rosa Moceniga, available in 50ml (€90) and 100ml (€132)