Nectar of the gods becomes perfume

It was privately launched as part of the inaugural events of the Southern Africa Luxury Association, held at the One&Only Cape Town and the Hyatt Regency in Johannesburg in July 2009, and is already a sought-after fragrance. It is reserved for the Frazer Parfum collection at Harrods, available mid-October or vente directe from the cellar on www.bottegafamilywine.co.za.

Notes of the earth

Alberto Bottega's brief to Frazer was to “blend and craft a perfume that was as evocative as the nature and character of the Idiom Collection of wines.” Much like the process of blending fine wine, Frazer embarked on a lengthy process that resulted in a shortlist of ten final scents. The rare nature of this scent places it in the category of Haute Parfumerie.

Frazer has created a seductive aroma that does not use the wine directly but actively extracts the essence of Idiom Cape Blend wine - hints of rose petals, splashes of ripe berries, light vanilla and smokey nature of the barrels, retaining the sensual earthy character and a solid backbone. Typical of a good Cape Blend, there is a hint of caramel on the nose and a bit of fynbos, leaving one with positive, lingering gourmand notes.

True to the South African vineyard and maquis, particular attention has been paid to infuse the scent of the wildflower and fynbos that is found near the vines of Da Capo Vineyards. In creating the perfume, Frazer also paid attention to provenance of the Bottega family by using Bergamot from Italy.

Integral design

The perfume bottles are hand-blown by renowned local glassblower, David Reade, who instead of utilizing Frazer's standard black interior has accentuated the difference in this perfume by using the deep purple, burgundian hue of the Idiom wine, to reflect the vinous nature of the contents. The form of the perfume flacon draws inspiration from the shape of Idiom's distinctly slender, elegant and elongated wine bottle and the stature of the wine itself.

The final offering is described as a unique and seductive nighttime fragrance that is wine-inspired and is handcrafted to appeal to the hedonistic senses.