Bouquet de Cintra by Guerlain c1873

Bouquet de Cintra, launched by Guerlain in 1873, was a fragrance that elegantly captured the essence of a lush and verdant landscape. The name “Bouquet de Cintra” evokes the image of a rich and vibrant floral arrangement from Cintra, a picturesque city in Portugal renowned for its natural beauty. 

Cintra is celebrated for its citrus groves, abundant with fresh lemons, citrons, and oranges, as well as its fields adorned with a profusion of sweet-scented wildflowers. The name itself, translating to “Bouquet of Cintra,” conjures images of this fragrant paradise, where wild arbutus, chrysanthemums, and a variety of delicate blooms like ionopsidium, linaria, and narcissus flourish.

The scent of Bouquet de Cintra likely reflects this bountiful floral and citrus landscape. The fragrance would have been designed to capture the fresh, zesty aroma of the citrus groves, paired with the sweet, heady scents of wildflowers and the earthy undertones of the surrounding vegetation. The inclusion of elements such as laurel, acacia, palm, aloe, cork oak, and pine suggests a complex blend that combines bright citrus notes with the deeper, mossy green, and woody nuances of the Cintra landscape.

In the late 19th century, this perfume would have appealed to men and women seeking a scent that evoked the natural beauty and exotic allure of Cintra. The fragrance’s intricate composition, blending floral sweetness with fresh citrus and earthy undertones, would have been both sophisticated and refreshing, capturing the essence of an idyllic Portuguese countryside. During this period, perfumes that drew inspiration from specific locales, especially those with rich natural beauty, were particularly popular, as they offered a sensory escape to distant, enchanting places.

Virgil spoke of Cintra - 

"Mossy springs and softer grass at the top

  And the shade of a rare green tree covers you."

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? I have not seen an example of this fragrance yet and I am not sure what the notes would be. I would imagine it was a citrus based floral.

La Ilustración española y americana - Volume 23, by Abelardo de Carlos, 1879:

The success of Guerlain's products at 15 rue de la Paix in Paris has been well established over time. Following the Universal Exposition, Mr. Guerlain experienced a significant increase in orders for his creations, a testament to his dedication and innovative spirit. One notable achievement includes the bouquet commissioned by Countess Edla, which was designed at the request of Her Majesty the Queen of Portugal. This special arrangement features flowers from the neighboring kingdom and the flora from the hills surrounding the historic castle of Cintra, a cherished residence of the Portuguese royal family. This rich floral inspiration has contributed to the creation of one of Mr. Guerlain’s most exquisite perfumes, the Extract of Cintra.

Additionally, Guerlain’s Eau de Cologne is highly recommended for its fresh and pleasant fragrance, ideal for daily use. This aromatic liquid is not only enjoyable but also serves as a remedy for headaches when gently applied to the temples.

Journal des demoiselles - Page 13, 1879:

EAU DE COLOGNE AND EXTRACTS FROM MAISON GUERLAIN, 15 RUE DE LA PAIX - Although Monsieur Guerlain's name did not top the list of award winners at the Universal Exhibition, this omission is due to his role as a jury member, which placed him out of competition. Nonetheless, this distinction highlights his esteemed position in the industry and his role as a representative of excellence. Guerlain's Eau de Cologne and extracts have garnered significant attention from both French and international chemists and manufacturers.

The concentrated extracts from Guerlain are known for their subtle, refined scents. Unlike heavy, overpowering fragrances, these extracts release their delicate aroma with just a single drop, showcasing a remarkable advancement in perfumery. The elegance of Guerlain's creations has cultivated a loyal following, both domestically and abroad.

This year’s success reaffirmed Guerlain's reputation, with orders doubling as a testament to his ongoing dedication and innovative work. The true beauty of an extract is best appreciated not by simply sniffing from a bottle but by experiencing its nuanced aroma as it evaporates from a handkerchief.

Guerlain’s Eau de Cologne is praised for its fresh and pleasant fragrance, which also serves as an effective remedy for headaches when applied to the temples. Among the popular concentrated extracts are Pao Rosa, derived from Brazilian wood; Fleur de Serre; and the Imperial Russian Bouquet, all known for their suave, sweet, and persistent qualities.

A recent highlight is the bouquet created by Guerlain for the Countess d'Edla, composed of flowers from Portugal and the flora surrounding the historic Cintra Castle, a favored residence of the Portuguese royal family. This special blend has led to the creation of the exquisite Cintra Extract.

Additionally, Guerlain's La Ferté balm remains an excellent remedy for chapped lips, hands, and chilblains, available in a small box priced at 1 franc 25 cents.

A Illustração - Volume 4, 1887:

"GUERLAIN, PARIS, DE 15 rue de la Paix, RECOMMENDED ITEMS : Marie-Christine Bouquet, Pao Rosa, Cintra Bouquet, Countess l'Edla Bouquet, Heliotrope Blanc, Paris Exhibition, Russian Imperial Bouquet."

Bottles:

It was most likely contained in the Carre flacon like other Guerlain perfumes of the era.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued.  It was still being offered in 1887.