Un Air d’Apogée: In the Heart of Tanneron's Golden Hills

Every perfume tells a story, a sensory journey where memories and emotions intertwine. The story of Un Air d’Apogée begins in the heart of Grasse, on the sun-drenched hills of Tanneron, where a true gem of perfumery blooms: mimosa.

It was in the heart of this golden landscape, within the largest mimosa-covered massif in Europe, that MAISON VIOLET invited its team and a select group of journalists for an unforgettable immersive experience.

Mimosa: Winter’s Sun

In the midst of winter, while nature still slumbers, the mimosa, Acacia dealbata, bursts into bloom, lighting up the landscape with its golden clusters. Nicknamed Winter’s Sun, it defies the cold, releasing an enchanting fragrance with honeyed, powdery, and almond-like facets. Introduced to France in the 19th century by the British, it gradually spread across the Côte d’Azur, becoming one of the region’s most iconic olfactory signatures.

The art of a precious harvest

To better understand this fascinating raw material, the MAISON VIOLET team set out to meet local producers, true guardians of an age-old savoir-faire. Harvesting mimosa is a race against time: the delicate blossoms wilt quickly once cut and must be gathered within four hours to preserve their freshness.

Extracting this precious essence requires meticulous care; one ton of flowers is needed to produce just 2.5 kg of absolute, the rare elixir that gives Un Air d’Apogée its addictive trail. This year, heavy rains encouraged leaf growth at the expense of flowers, lending a greener nuance to the mimosa absolute. A subtle shift that perfectly reflects the living nature of fragrance, where each harvest unveils new and unique facets.

The soul of Un Air d’Apogée

Un Air d’Apogée is a tribute to classic perfumery, a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. Inspired by the heritage of MAISON VIOLET, it reimagines the iconic leather accord, softening its raw intensity with unexpected tenderness.

Here, rugged leather meets the powdery elegance of iris, transforming into a supple, velvety suede. The golden glow of mimosa adds a honeyed radiance, striking a delicate balance with the warm, aromatic depth of tobacco and honey. An elegant and timeless composition, evoking the intimate, smoky allure of 1930s cabarets and their intoxicating atmosphere.

The emotion of a journey

This journey to Tanneron reminded us of a fundamental truth: every perfume is the result of a delicate alchemy between nature and human craftsmanship. As we wandered through these golden hills of the Var region, we rediscovered the endless richness of mimosa, an iconic ingredient that makes Un Air d’Apogée one of the essential creations in our Heritage collection.