The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Mentuccia Romana takes its name from mentuccia romana, or pennyroyal, an herb associated with a softer, more floral expression of mint. In this extrait de parfum, that herb provides the aromatic center while preserving the refreshing and calming character described for pennyroyal. Bruno Acampora develops the composition with perfumer Miguel Matos, placing the focus on the contrast between the floral softness of the herb and its brighter aromatic facets. The result is neither a conventional candy-like mint nor a generic fresh scent, but a composition built around the nuanced character of mentuccia romana. Its appeal lies in this close attention to a single aromatic idea and the way that idea is shaped within an extrait de parfum.
What's interesting is the choice to build an extrait de parfum around mentuccia romana, or pennyroyal, rather than relying on a more familiar expression of mint. The note is presented as softer and more floral, with a refreshing, calming quality that gives the composition its particular character. Pairing it with litsea cubeba, known for its lemony-green profile, introduces a contrasting aromatic-citrus dimension. The two elements do not simply repeat one another: pennyroyal contributes a floral herbal softness, while litsea cubeba brings a brighter green-citrus edge.
The evolution
Mentuccia Romana presents pennyroyal in a softer, more floral register, with the refreshing and calming qualities associated with the herb at its center. Litsea cubeba adds a lemony-green dimension, creating an aromatic contrast that keeps the composition from settling into a single-note herbal effect. As the fragrance develops, the relationship between these materials becomes the main point of interest. Pennyroyal lends floral softness and a gentle herbal character, while litsea cubeba contributes brightness and a green-citrus facet. The pairing makes the scent feel layered without relying on an exaggerated impression of power. It's a composition for close attention, where the shift from floral herb to green citrus reveals different facets of the extrait as it sits on the skin.
Cultural impact
Mentuccia Romana draws attention through its focused use of pennyroyal, an herb described as a softer, more floral form of mint with refreshing and calming properties. Rather than presenting freshness as a broad, abstract effect, the composition gives that idea a more specific aromatic shape through mentuccia romana and the lemony-green character of litsea cubeba. The contrast between floral herb and green citrus invites exploration on its own terms.
The House
Bruno AcamporaBruno Acampora blends Neapolitan flair with a dash of French intrigue, offering perfume lovers a line of hand‑crafted scents that feel both intimate and daring. Each bottle carries the spirit of a 1970s beach conversation, a friendship with icons like Versace and Warhol, and a commitment to pure, unapologetic artistry.
The Creator
Miguel MatosMatos draws from his background in visual art and criticism, treating fragrance composition like a curatorial act. He layers references and contrasts, often juxtaposing familiar materials in unfamiliar configurations.
