I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one.

I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one.

      Although I may not yet have a Bottega Veneta bag (a beauty editor can dream, so I'm manifesting), I can at least smell like I own one. The Italian luxury brand has introduced a new perfume collection called Alta. When Bottega Veneta's original eau de parfum collection debuted in 2024—drawing inspiration from its Venetian heritage, complete with glass-blown bottles reflecting Venice’s artisanal traditions and accompanied by a marble stand from Italy—I didn't think they could surpass it. So, when I was invited to sample the new Italian perfumes this summer, my expectations were high. I don't want to give too much away, but every Alta fragrance has that luxurious scent, and many are among my favorite new perfumes of the year.

      The Alta line features 10 fragrances that pay tribute to beloved and iconic Italian ingredients—imagine flavors like Italian stracciatella gelato or basil harvested from a herb garden. This collection creatively combines these Italian elements alongside ingredients from around the globe, such as South Asian oud and North African neroli, showcasing cultural blends from various regions. The signature weaving design of Bottega is embossed on each glass bottle, topped with a wooden cap and gold ring, reminiscent of Venetian architecture and the history of jewelry craftsmanship. Honestly, it feels like an artwork that you’d want to display proudly on your dressing table. Plus, they are refillable and come in travel-sized vials. If visiting a boutique to sample them in person isn't an option, there are two discovery sets: the Alta Mini Set (£290), featuring luxurious 10ml mini bottles of the Alta fragrances, and the Alta Discovery Set (£65), which includes 2ml vials—ideal for finding your favorite before purchasing a full-sized version. I've worn each scent over the past two weeks, and I'm sharing my thoughts on the entire collection below.

      **Best Bottega Alta Fragrances**

      **Best Overall:** Bare Morning Eau de Parfum

      **Best Vanilla Perfume:** Ricordami Eau de Parfum

      **Best Fresh Perfume:** Always Now Eau de Parfum

      **Best Citrus Perfume:** Montebello Eau de Parfum

      **Best Oud:** Crepuscolo Eau de Parfum

      1. **Always Now**

       - **Best Fresh Perfume**

       **Key Notes:** Basil E-oil, bergamot, lemon, green mandarin, sweet orange, ginger, clementine, petitgrain, spearmint, neroli, fig, vetiver bourbon, cedarwood, musk

       This scent evokes the image of freshly picked basil from an herb garden or the refreshing first sip of an Italian spritz blended with vibrant herbs. It’s a bright and uplifting scent, perfect for a morning boost, making you feel energized and grounded. I can see this being spritzed on a crisp white shirt during the spring and summer.

      2. **Montebello**

       - **Best Citrus Perfume**

       **Key Notes:** Lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, blood orange, neroli, orange blossom, musk, ambrox

       This fragrance pays homage to Bottega Veneta's atelier in Montebello, surrounded by vibrant orange and pine trees. It's bursting with uplifting citrus notes—Italian lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, and blood orange—while also offering a creamy floral touch for a smooth, buttery feel on the skin. A perfect scent for springtime.

      3. **Balliamo**

       - **Best Woody Perfume**

       **Key Notes:** Pomelo, citron, pepper, myrtle, lavender, vitessence, white fig, cedarwood, vetiver, ambronova

       "Balliamo" means "let's dance" in Italian, and this joyful fragrance reflects that spirit. Sparkling citrus mingles on the skin with fresh white fig, inviting aromatic lavender and spicy pepper to join in before settling into a smooth woody base. Ideal for worn during a balmy summer evening next to the glistening sea.

      4. **Bare Morning**

       - **Best Powdery Perfume**

       **Key Notes:** Pink pepper, apricot seed, Borotalco accord, freesia, sandalwood, musks, cashmeran

       This is my top pick from the collection, especially if you favor skin scents. It draws inspiration from Borotalco, an Italian brand famed for its talcum powder scent. Imagine stepping out of a shower, dusting your skin with Italian powder, and slipping into the coziest white robe. It’s fresh, creamy, and powdery; I wish to envelop myself in it.

      5. **Slow Rise**

       - **Best Floral Perfume**

       **Key Notes:** Bergamot, mandarin, pink peppercorn, green mandarin, clary sage, lavender, rose, orris butter, geranium

       If you're a fan of rose fragrances, this one is a must-try

I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one. I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one.

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I may not own a Bottega bag, but this fragrance gives me the sensation of having one.

Now I have a luxurious scent.