Our take
What does 1881 Riviera smell like?
Cerruti added Riviera to the 1881 line in 2019, with Saint-Tropez as the setting. The opening goes full Mediterranean. Sparkling orange and bergamot cross paths with cool mint, while a thread of incense stops it from turning into soda. Jasmine and akigalawood (a woody, peppery patchouli facet) fill the heart. Patchouli, vetiver and leather make the base darker than you expect from a summer scent. The whole thing smells like skin after a day on a boat, salted by the sun. The 1990 Cerruti 1881 pour Homme is more aromatic and herbal. Riviera feels more modern and woodier. The contrast between mint and leather works well for the first few hours. After that it fades into a fairly linear drydown. The mint stays fresh without turning into toothpaste, which is rarer than it sounds.
When to wear it
Made for summer evenings by the sea, worn over a white shirt. Three sprays on the neck and wrists.
It belongs to the Woody, Aromatic family. 1881 Riviera is one of 8 creations by Cerruti in our encyclopedia.
