Melograno (Pomegranate)

This smells like a "haunted" house that's been sitting unopened for a while, but in a good way. Like, old woods, floral waters left open and evaporated into the porous surfaces, dusty and powdery, dead flowers in vases crumbling to pieces on the citrus oil soaked wood floors, a library full of aged-vanillin-tinged pages and sweet pipe tobacco, and wood smoke from the long unused fireplace. Something medicinal-oriental like a hoodoo floor wash made with herbs and spices, ever so slightly minty - probably where the "soap" vibe comes from for some, however I don't get anything soapy on me. There's something very soft, sweet, melancholy about it. Also, somehow still smells clean even with all this going on. Just a tiny bit citrus-oil clean. No suds for me, although I am quite fond of many soapy fragrances. This one just didn't go soapy on me. Honestly, I kind of wish it had a little, but I still love it completely. It's tough to pick out the individual notes really, it just gives you a feeling of going room to room where the smells change a little, but are still part of the same house. It's very vivid in how it evokes a specific visual for me. It's neither old, nor young. It's unusual, androgynous, ageless, strange, and smells like another era that still adapts to today. It's very powdery, but not what I would call a powder bomb. It's stained with a bit of fruit, and smoked by incense resins, but the powder is the most prominent. Oakmoss and orris are certainly dominant as well. I am surprised by how much opoponax is there. I thought it may get lost completely as many in bases do on me, but in the dry down it's very lovely and does become noticeable in time. The other base notes are actually pretty apparent throughout, but all blended so well, and I expect many of these notes are "ghost notes", and appropriately so. More than what's there could have been too complicated. Just a little of them went a long way. They "guide" the main characters, but not enough to change them or even add to them. Just an enhancement, expertly executed. My favorite fragrance.

I never met SMN I did not like. I may not want to wear all of them, but I do admire them. They are the embodiment of what the finest perfumery has to offer. Conservative, certainly. Classy, without the doubt. Understated and dignified. How can such consistency over a great number and centuries of creations even exist? Those friars really know what they are doing. Melograno doesn't really smell like pomegranate, maybe a bit like pomegranate skin and that yellow rubbery stuff that keeps pomegranate pulp together. Who cares? It's lovely. The presence of the orris is surprisingly noticeable from the start. The harmony of the composition is effortless. It smells classic and timeless. The dry down is delightful. Maybe one day I will be capable of describing how it smells, for now I just know how it feels. Gorgeous. After a few days wearing it here and there, I like it even more. It takes considerable time, knowledge and patience to create something this complex but so incredibly gracious in its evolution over time. The structure and behaviour is very similar to Vol de Nuit, a great love of mine. With the advantage of being less demanding and mysterious. It can be a perfect bright, or daytime, counterpart of Vol de Nuit. It is a superbly accommodating wear. The opening is a burst of brightest citrus and aldehydes that might seem old fashioned and off putting to some, but it's charming and uplifting. I very much enjoy all the effervescence that thickens into elegant floral bouquet. It is also very clean, slightly soapy, with a lovely aromatic zing. At this stage it can be perceived as masculine, but only in the most gentlemanly way. The slide to a flawless dry down is unnoticeable, you just know when you get there. Everything is just smooth and effortless. One of the finest perfumes I have ever encountered, they just don't do them like this anymore. A true work of art. Beautiful.

I have been wearing Melograno for years but never attempted to describe it. It was gifted to me by a close friend and was one of the first fragrances I ever owned, so I was wearing it well before I understood doodly squat about thinking of fragrance in terms of classifications like chypres, note pyramids, and the idea of notes in the first place. Instead I thought of all fragrances in terms of the colors they evoked in my head. Since then, I have learned a little more, so I'll give it a shot. Melograno is no longer just the powdery opalescent white layered over burgundy fragrance it once appeared to be. Now when I smell it, I see rainbows. That may sound sentimental, but I really do. Melograno opens with a sharp, spicy-green, soapy powder with a sweetish/bitter tinge and the characteristic richness of oakmoss. The green is a dry, spicy green, not a lush verdant one; it's very classic-smelling. The citrus is barely there in the top notes if at all. The rose/orris root is cool and soapy. The patchouli and vetiver are earthy and sweet, but run no risk of obscuring the other elements. A trace of warmth comes through from the amber, ylang and tobacco, but this fragrance is so well blended and has so much dynamism that it really just IS. Though its notes are not so easy to separate, and are not "true to life", they aren't trying to be. Melograno smells like itself, and nothing else. It smells calm, wise and stern. There is an entire world living inside Melograno, and in that respect I think it actually is very much like a pomegranate, though I am generally not too concerned with names and their accuracy. It fuses seamlessly with my own skin's scent, but there is also so much complexity that I feel like I can peer into it and never get bored. Melograno is like a woman who has seen it all. I could sit around admiring her all day.

I really love this scent since I first visited Florence in late summer... lovely warm weather, a soft breeze always coming in from the sea, and in the warm summer air, here and there a spicy warm whiff of this scent...I immediately bought a bottle directly at SMN. About the scent: I don't know why so many people say this smells like Chanel No 5... I get that there is an aldehydic vibe in here but unlike the Chanel, it's a green, fresh spicy and soapy aldehydic vibe. The spices and the oakmoss are also prominent in this, and yes, there is a trace of pomegranate in it too in the background, a warm sweetness of its juice, maybe of you warm it for a jam? I can also smell traces of warm cinnamon in it. I have tested pretty much every scent of SMN there, and there are several more leaning masculine but 'Melograno' actually doesn't for me. I can see it's unisex but I personally do see it more fitting for elegant women, not a girly and 'young' scent, more mature but not old-fashioned. Chanel No 5 is veery aldehydic and kind of... dull and stuffy, while 'melograno' is spicy, green, soapy and refreshing. Maybe it's a summer scent for me because I remember it so vividly from that Tuscany summer and being so lovely in the warm, late summer air. I prefer to wear it in summer and autumn, and think its beauty comes out best in warm air and sunshine. As I ran out of it I will reorder, I always need to have this in my collection.

Like being inside the fluffy warmth of your fresh-laundered duvet in the morning, with the window open and the the scent of sun-warmed lichen and deep green ferns wafting in. Once the the soapy, bedazzling aldehydes have calmed down that is! In the first half hour you'll still be getting Chanel no. 22 levels of aldehyde, but sit it out because it's far softer and warmer into dry down, where it becomes a subtly alluring comfort scent. If you like it, you'll want to keep sniffing your self all day. Most people would describe it as unisex, but there is a powderiness. However I'd describe it as a slightly raspy, sage-like oakmossy powder, not talc or face powder. There's subtle sweetness, but not if you're into sweet gourmands and vanilla- dominant perfume. No fruit either, as others point out, unless it's the astringent dryness of pomegranate ( there is that dryness here). I love it, my husband loves it, in fact he delights in the scent of this on me. For context, he also loves Chanel 19 and I'd say both perfumes take a similar trajectory, though 19 is far more scenty and feminine I think. A soothing hug, it's the perfume equivalent of a snooze in a forest. If you're expecting a vampy Vesper femme fatale perfume this might not live up to your expectations, but remember, femme fatales did wear chypre in the original Bond's times!

It was a really hot summer day in Florence and I was running a bit late for a museum booking. But - as soon as I went in the Santa Maria Novella shop, I forgot about all the heat and the stress. An exquisite building, almost like a museum, and in it amazing perfumes, lotions and potions! It was heaven. I was in a hurry, though, so I spritzed a couple of scents on my arm, bought Melograno on the first sniff and left. During that stuffy hot day, every time I sniffed my arm, I felt a comforting cleanliness and elegance. Now on to the perfume itself: Melograno is powdery, dry, spicy, resinous and has a bit of a bite. No fruit here, let alone pomegranate. It does smell clean and soapy, but in a rich way - if that makes any sense? It's a very classic, elegant scent. Yes it evokes connotations of "mature" to me, in the sense that were I 10 years younger, I wouldn't have cared for it. But tastes and preferences evolve. Melograno is now in my top 3. I have worn it every day since I cracked open the bottle. It's appropriate for the office, for the weekend, for day and for night. Very versatile. I would perhaps not wear it in extreme heat, but judging from that afternoon in Florence, maybe I should. Other SMN I tried: Ginestra and Caprifoglio - both lovely. If I ever go back to Florence, it's their turn.

this is the type of perfume i want to be bathed in. theres something so hypnotic and addicting they put in here. the initial scent is lightly tart and spicy that you would think it would stink but once it settles and dries on your skin???? good god. the mixed scents of root beer, soap, powder, earthy moss, and that light tart sweetness just sticks to your skin like crazy (this lasts the whole day for me) and im addicted to it. there's times where i would wear this after a workout and my body heat would evaporate this perfume and fill up the entire locker room its so good. the dry down itself isnt offensive or choking either. its so soapy and comforting that it feels like im wrapped in the warmest sundrenched cleanest blanket after an everything shower. (sometimes i get so drunk from the smell it makes me sleepy from the coziness) idk maybe its just me but i would never want this perfume to ever go out of production. if santa maria novella decides to close down, i'd buy 50 bottles of this perfume idc. i mightve just found my signature scent for the rest of my life...

My favourite. I wear it all the time. It dries like incense on me, with that nuance of Italian barber shop as some of you mention. This fragrance just gets better and better, I am so glad I bought another bottle, luckily it is available in London South Kensington area. Theres a little SMN shop there. It has a real powdery, green and deep wood story. Completely classic smelling, some folk may say old fashioned and even general old nanna's loo house soap smelling but yes, I like that. To me it spells academic, honesty, gutsy and sensual. Secret but delivering, nothing coy and it lays all the cards on the table. Great for business, pleasure and just sniffing to say ahhhhh. Definately not a scent for those who like fake vanilla pop scents endorsed by whatsit'sface. This isn't sweet in that manner at all. I recently got a bottle of the body lotion scented with Melograno and it is just as potent as the cologne. This is lovely because you can really control the strength of the scent. I prefer scents to be a little bit on the modest silage.

This is a very powdery, fresh scent but it’s sweet and woody which very much reminded me of the powder my nan used to cover me from head to toe with when I was younger. Therefore, it does remind me of baby powder cause it smells just like it. I have no issue with it, but it might be for someone else. It isn’t a sexy or seductive scent but it is a great everyday scent especially right after the shower. For me this is a white dress walking through the forest picking up mushrooms kind of moment. I hardly detected any fruits or floral notes on my skin but a very sharp citrus blast on the first spray. After it settled, it is all powdery, sweet and woody on me. I didn’t get a headache from this perfume like Chanel no. 5 which is great for me. If you’re not into the whole vintage vibes, this isn’t a perfume for you. the longevity is pretty good but it’s not a beast. This last throughout the day but it’s gone as soon as evening comes. It is unisex scent, but it can lean more masculine but again, perfumes react differently on everyone.

this is not the scent profile i usually go for, but when i first sprayed it, it almost made me tear up. it feels weirdly nostalgic to me and oh so comforting. perfect for all year around, both day and night. what gets me with this fragrance is how it both smells clean and fresh but also dusty and old. i love that balance because it makes it more mysterious, at least for me. i mostly get the oakmoss and labdanum (i agree with people saying it smells kind of “holy”, like a cathedral but not heavy at all) and when it comes to pomegranate, i can’t say about that, as the fruit is mostly odorless to me, but maybe this is what gives it this soapy vibe as well. and damn i just wish it was a little more feminine cause unfortunately i can’t see myself wearing it, but it is really a beautiful and well rounded scent (coming from someone who doesn’t even like chypre) i think i might have to put my nose on more chypre fragrances, i don’t know, melograno has awakened something in me.

Pomegranate they said, ... citrus too. Can’t detect any. But it turned out to be a positive surprise nonetheless. It is a quintessential church incense with some lightly traceable addition of rose, only in a bottle if you are into that sort of thing. Doesn’t smell cheap either, it is more of a classic dimensional resin scent used in catholic and orthodox churches and none of those pressed burning sticks associated with yoga and various oriental practices. Yes, it is strong but also light and clear, somewhat airy and ethereal, not in any way flat with the powder aspect of it keeping its presence good in the background. Just good clear high quality resins that do not give you a headache , if you would wear that, that is :) I have to give a disclaimer that I never use more than one pump. If you spray more the description above doesn’t apply🤢 Generally I think it could be used as a comfy winter cabin/Christmas scent if used sparingly.

This is not generally my kind of scent. I usually prefer darker, more dramatic, even gothic scents. Or vanilla-based fragrances. Or, in some moods, churchy incense. This is none of those except, perhaps, a hint of incense. And I do mean just a hint. But it is absolutely one of the most delightful and beguiling fragrances I've ever experienced. I can't put into words what it's like or how much I love it. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with pomegranate —absolutely nothing—which is a good thing, in my opinion. It's somewhat soapy (not usually my thing), powdery (also not really my bag) and citrusy (which I like in small doses) but on the whole ... indescribable. Since discovering it a year ago, I wear it several times a week and it's currently the closest thing I have to a signature fragrance. Please never stop making this and please never change it, Santa Maria Novella!

Steady, elegant and mature-smelling chypre of the best kind. I can see some of the Chanels (No. 22 especially) as a possible role models for this one, but executed without the prickly aldehydes in top notes and soft and powdery feminine sweetness in the drydown. On the other hand, Melograno's dry soapiness (prominent vetiver + opoponax?) lingers making this composition very formal-smelling and somehow demanding - with the exception of remarkably soft, beautiful spicy-sweetish drydown. Since this is one of the most popular SMN fragrances, I suspect the problem of not loving it lies in me. As I learned previously, I have some issues with prominent vetiver, so I cannot fully enjoy Melograno nor can I enjoy Chanel 22 - sadly, the vetiver is giving me heart ache, literally; chest pain followed by melancholy. So I guess this is a case of unrequited love :(

Warm, mellow, subtle aromatics and spices. Dry and elegant, very classy and masculine. The absence of lavender makes it very easy to wear all day. Slightly soapy. The gentlemen’s fragrance you’ve ever wanted, not loud, absolutely office compatible and distinctly different from the amber bombs on display everywhere. Absolutely no aldehydes in here and no resemblance to the fragrances mentioned below.⬇️ Nothing vintage going on here. No comparison to any of the usual candidates that are drawn in to usually. Superb. Oakmoss, laudanum and musk run the show for hours. Bought it right on their website, ships within 24 hours by DHL, I had it the next day. Tremendous respect for the brand, the quality and the superb customer care. If you like my thoughts, hit the like 👍 button.

Let's be clear about this, the strongest note here is a soapy aldehyde very akin to Chanel No 5, but where the Chanel EDT is harsh, dated and difficult to wear, this is joyous and fresh. My initial reaction was EURGH aldehydes EURGH, but a couple of days later I kept thinking about it. The aldehydes don't mask the other notes, nor do they seem abrasive or metallic. They're giving me finely milled, expensive soap, which, on a crisp or warm sunny day, is a treat to experience. It's expert perfumery from the past which still holds up in 2024. By the way, performance here is insanity levels, I cannot accept this is an EDC. One tiny spray to a wrist, then dab other wrist and neck, that's enough for me. A few wears in and I'm completely in love with this, it's magical.

Fabulous!!! Love! This summer is my everyday every moment scent. It’s such a classy mossy citrus ,done in the most exquisite italian way. I wish it held longer but even so - I am endowed with a 100ml bottle and 10ml gone just after 2 weeks. If I had to have a casual never go wrong chypre - that is the one , if you of course one of those who loves to soapy mossy notes. It opens strong but immediately settles into a soft cloud of powdery citrus on a fluffy cloud of moss and shimmering aldehydes. Longevity weak to moderate (depends whether you stay on skin or clothes), my suggestion it’s 100ml FBW especially if you live in a hot climate. Very well done SMN, Meligrano and Freesia are the top 2 for me in this line. Amazing and successful discovery of this summer.

This fragrance is the embodiment of the most beautiful and captivating cologne I have ever worn—and my personal favourite among the Santa Maria Novella scents I’ve experienced. The opening is a beautifully polished citrus accord: fruity yet free from any sharp or challenging facets. There is no excessive tartness or bitterness; instead, a smooth note of ripe fruit forms the backdrop for an equally well-balanced touch of spices. The result is an opening that feels warm and enveloping, yet fresh in its own refined way, gradually evolving into a soapy, powdery softness reminiscent of fine cosmetics. Throughout, a subtle vintage nuance lends it undeniable charm. Very long-lasting on fabric, with a moderate sillage. A truly beautiful experience.

A gorgeous soapy Italian creation here. Opens up very soapy and stays that way for about 45 minutes before revealing the powder dusted base of woods, musks, resins and incense. The pomegranate does not reveal itself on my skin until an hour has passed. Full drydown smells almost like oatmeal almond soaps and resins. Good performance and may lean very slightly (55/45) feminine to some people, but this my favorite from the house, and one of my favorites of all time. I consider it an timeless masterpiece. Scent 10/10 Performance 7/10 P. S. I own a vintage bottle with the green foil label which is phenomenal, but the current formula with the paper sticker is also good.

be warned bc it is so aggressively soapy, you'll be thrown off dainty and delicate almost innocent, dreamy, and very pleasant. so dreamy it could also be whimsical. beautiful use of pomegranate. very much a clean and fresh scent. in short, fresh out the shower laced with pomegranate. melograno smells like the most luxurious bubble bath. its soapy, but not ordinary. its spectacular. melograno is the beloved (big-eyed, long-lashed, red-cheeked) child in the victorian times from a bourgeoisie family fresh out of a bath prepared by loving maids; the cherub with now, dry ringlets is tucked into a warm, silk-laden bed, squeaky clean and growing sleepy.

A gentleman in Florence. A calm, clean and little bit reserved fragrance for a proper English gentleman who finds himself in Florence - exploring the beauty of the South, Renaissance art, glorious food and drinks, old Italian barber and artisan shops, sunny streets full of easygoing and optimistic men and women who freely express their feelings of love for life and for each other. Splash your body with it and then watch A Room with a View, you'll understand it perfectly (or even better, read this beautiful novel by E. M. Forster). I don't trace a pomegranate in it, but with this beautiful Italian vision, who cares? 5/5