What does Mirabelle Plum smell like?
Mirabelle smells of ripe yellow fruit, honey-sweet with a touch of tartness near the stone. Think of a tart fresh from the oven, or jam made in August. It is brighter than purple plum, which leans towards prune and liqueur. In a chypre it softens the oakmoss. With flowers it adds a late-summer warmth. It is most noticeable in the first hour.
Origin and production
The mirabelle (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca) is grown mainly in Lorraine, in eastern France, the world's leading producer. It is harvested in August and September. The fruit yields no essential oil. In perfume the note is an accord built from fruity lactones and honeyed notes, sometimes with a hint of almond for the stone.
How perfumers use it
Mirabelle sits in the top or heart. Guerlain Chant d'Arômes (1962), Jean-Paul Guerlain's first perfume, pairs it with aldehydes and gardenia. Chloé brought it back with Nomade (2018), a chypre where it opens on bergamot before an oakmoss base. Givenchy Dahlia Divin (2014) pairs it with pink pepper. Paco Rabanne Lady Million Empire (2019) slips it into the heart near osmanthus, ahead of a cognac base.
How to wear it
Mirabelle suits late summer and autumn. Nomade works at the office with two sprays. The sweeter Lady Million Empire is better kept for evenings.