Pierre Montale’s experience of concocting exotic fragrances with a vibe of the Middle East has certainly paid off. The best Montale perfumes for women fuse striking flowers and sweet fruits with exotic woods, spices and resins.
Founded in 2003, Montale now has a stellar collection of more than a hundred scents, successfully establishing the brand as a world-class perfume house with a reputation for quality.
- 10 Best Montale Perfumes For Her
- 1. Montale Ristretto Intense Cafe Extrait de Parfum
- 2. Montale Arabians Tonka Eau de Parfum
- 3. Montale Dark Purple Eau de Parfum
- 4. Montale Velvet Fantasy Eau de Parfum
- 5. Montale Intense Roses Musk Eau de Parfum
- 6. Montale Sweet Peony Eau de Parfum
- 7. Montale Sweet Flowers Eau de Parfum
- 8. Montale Pure Gold Eau de Parfum
- 9. Montale Oudmazing Eau de Parfum
- 10. Montale Vanilla Extasy Eau de Parfum
- Which Montale Perfume Smells The Best?
- Conclusion
- Further Reading
10 Best Montale Perfumes For Her
Each Montale fragrance brings together the exotic and oriental. Here is my personal take on the 10 best Montale perfumes for women.
1. Montale Ristretto Intense Cafe Extrait de Parfum
Review
Ristretto Intense Cafe Eau de Parfum is a floral vanilla perfume packing a healthy punch of coffee. Launched in 2019, this unique feminine fragrance is a floral/coffee delight.
The perfume welcomes you with an irresistible coffee note right from the start. Soon fragrant rose blooms, providing a fresh floral backdrop.
Hints of woody notes in the heart take the bouquet to a base of creamy vanilla, caramel and amber. Settles to an intense scent of roasted coffee, vanilla and rose that I found similar to YSL Black Opium Floral Shock.
Top Notes:
Coffee, Turkish Rose
Mid Notes:
Coffee, French Rose, Woody Notes
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Caramel, White Musk, Amber
Seasons & Longevity
This beautiful scent is absolutely perfect for cold temperatures. Autumn or winter, the fragrance will serve you well at evening parties or business events.
Ristretto Intense Cafe is definitely rich, so go easy on the sprayer. Lasting 8+ hours, the perfume projects well for half of that time.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Delightful coffee rose scent Long-lasting |
| Cons | Some might find it too coffee intensive |
2. Montale Arabians Tonka Eau de Parfum
Review
Arabians Tonka Eau de Parfum is one of my favourite Montale amber woody perfumes. It somewhat reminds me of Ristretto Intense Cafe, but sweeter and spicier.
This fragrance opens with a fresh citrusy aroma of bergamot, blended with spicy saffron to bring an Arabian feel. Soon, the scent morphs into the signature Montale oud, where oud and rose blend and soar in perfect harmony.
The tonka bean and sugarcane mix in the base bring a sweet gourmand twist, sprinkled with amber and moss. The dry down is woody burnt sugar, somehow syrupy but very cosy at the same time.
As an alternative, consider Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 for something similar but less sweet.
Top Notes:
Saffron, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Agarwood, Rose
Base Notes:
Sugar Cane, Tonka Bean, Amber, White Musk, Oakmoss
Seasons & Longevity
This complex fragrance is definitely a fresher weather scent for autumn, winter, spring, wrapping in its warming oudy blanket for that extra comfort. Longevity and sillage are superb, giving 8+ hours on the skin.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Harmonious oud vanilla scent Good longevity and sillage |
| Cons | Not suitable for a blind buy |
3. Montale Dark Purple Eau de Parfum
Review
Dark Purple Eau de Parfum was first launched in 2011. This fruity-floral scent is sexy and sophisticated, seductive and classy femme fatale fragrance.
The opening is loud and intense, bursting with fruity notes of plum and orange. As it subsides, the rose and geranium transform the fragrance into a seductive floral, with red berries providing the fruity accord.
Patchouli in the heart opens the door to a subtly sweet, woody, musky finish. Eventually, the fragrance drys to a cold fruity plum mixed with musk and powdery rose scent.
Top Notes:
Plum, Orange
Mid Notes:
Rose, Red Berries, Patchouli, Geranium
Base Notes:
Musk, Teak Wood, Amber
Seasons & Longevity
This can be your signature scent for colder temperatures of autumn/winter. Its astonishing sillage and projection will turn heads around and bring compliments your way.
Dark Purple Eau de Parfum is a massive performer with strong projection and 8+ hours of longevity. I sprayed myself once in the morning, and by the evening, it was still going strong!
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Seductive and classy, date night scent Not too sweet |
| Cons | Slightly on the sharp side |
4. Montale Velvet Fantasy Eau de Parfum
Review
The 2020 launch Velvet Fantasy Eau de Parfum dares you to indulge in a feast of fruits, amber and musk with floral hints.
The opening whisks you away into a dreamy daze as sweet fruits blend with the contrast of citruses and sparkling notes.
A lavish heart of rose and violet deliver a delicate powdery sweetness, with smokey incense adding mystery and depth.
In the base, the clean amber-musk accord bring all notes together to one smooth finish. The dry down is a bright, fruity scent with traces of velvety creaminess. I would also consider Mugler Angel Eau Sucree as they are similar.
Top Notes:
Fruity Notes, Sparkling Notes, Citruses
Mid Notes:
Violet, Rose
Base Notes:
Incense, White Musk, Amber
Seasons & Longevity
You can wear this versatile Velvet Fantasy all year round, however, a little sparingly in the heat. Perfect for day-to-day – work or leisure.
Performance-wise, this sweet fruity floral perfume lasts 8+ hours and has a reasonably strong projection to get you noticed.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Bright & sunny scent Suitable for any season or occasion |
| Cons | Projection is not super strong |
5. Montale Intense Roses Musk Eau de Parfum
Review
Intense Roses Musk Eau de Parfum is striking, simple and uncluttered. To me, Intense Roses Musk is one of the purest rose fragrance on the market.
The slightly green and crisp opening from jasmine lays the perfect floral foundation. The heart becomes sweet and sparkling with the unmistakable freshness of stunning rose.
Towards the dry-down, the bouquet gets wrapped in the warmth of amber and musk. Finally, the perfume settles down to a pleasant powdery rose-musk-amber scent. Divine.
This is very similar to one of my all-time favourite perfumes, Parfums de Marly Delina.
Top Notes:
Jasmine
Mid Notes:
Rose
Base Notes:
Musk, Amber
Seasons & Longevity
Intense Roses Musk is potent, filling the air with rosy delights. It lasts long 7+ hours and is wearable all year round. Leans more towards daytime.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Sweet and uplifting coconut fragrance Gets lots of compliments |
| Cons | Slightly sour at first but soon passes |
6. Montale Sweet Peony Eau de Parfum
Review
One of the most delicate floral fragrances, Montale’s Sweet Peony Eau de Parfum, is a harmonious feminine scent with a silky drydown. It is somewhat similar to Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming spiced up with vanilla and coffee.
The perfume opens with the crisp sweetness of peony, soon joined by rose and jasmine. Peach and coconut coat the floral notes with a creamy texture at heart.
The buttery spiciness in the base eventually finds solace in the conventional vanilla-floral drydown with a touch of sandalwood and cloves.
Top Notes:
Peony
Mid Notes:
Rose, Peach, Jasmine, Coconut
Base Notes:
Ambroxan, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Coffee, Cloves
Seasons & Longevity
Simple and beautiful. I love wearing this perfume during the day when I’m working from home or mooching around the town for some leisurely shopping. It smells clean and fresh.
Sweet Peony starts with enormous sillage, which later settles into a sweet skin scent. It will last good 6+ hours and is a great companion throughout the year.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | A must-have feminine fragrance Lots of compliments |
| Cons | Not really for evening wear |
7. Montale Sweet Flowers Eau de Parfum
Review
Sweet Flowers Eau de Parfum is an aromatic tale of blooming florals and gourmand notes. This highly addictive and captivating amber vanilla fragrance was released in 2018.
The sweetness of cotton candy immediately grabs your attention, and you’re hooked. Spicy notes from ginger, pepper and bergamot add balance.
The peach flows into the middle, where the candy-sweetness morphs into a delightful sea of tuberose, violet, patchouli and jasmine.
The vanilla-woody base keeps it creamy and warm, tying all notes together to a clean earthy-musky harmony. The drydown is a cotton candy sweet floral-fruity, buttered with vanilla.
Top Notes:
Cotton Candy, Peach, Ginger, Pepper, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Tuberose, Jasmine Sambac, Patchouli, Violet
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Sandalwood, Musk, Cedar, Oakmoss
Seasons & Longevity
This rich bouquet makes it a perfect cold-weather scent, suitable for autumn, winter or spring. The perfume is ideal for all occasions, formal or casual.
Performance-wise, Sweet Flowers will last good 8+ hours, featuring spectacular sillage and projection.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Gorgeous floral winter fragrance Excellent longevity |
| Cons | Very sweet |
8. Montale Pure Gold Eau de Parfum
Review
A 2009 scent, Pure Gold Eau de Parfum, has a somewhat unique aromatic edge to it. Veering away from traditional Montale composition, the perfume illuminates like gold with sparkling florals and fruits.
The fruity opening of apricot and orange fills the air with lush sweetness. It soon mellows to a bed of white florals, softly dazzling their fragrant petals.
A patchouli and vanilla base helps the scent attain its luminous glow with a naturally sweet and clean finish. Eventually, the composition dries to a crisp musky jasmine and peach scent. Also consider Chloé Nomade Eau de Parfum.
Top Notes:
Apricot, Mandarin Orange
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Neroli, Orange Blossom
Base Notes:
Musk, Patchouli, Vanilla
Seasons & Longevity
Suitable for any season, this white floral olfactory ornament will see you through any occasion, be it a business event or casual outing.
Yet another fragrance-bomb; the perfume lasts over 8 hours on my skin, with sillage reaching nuclear-level in warmer temperatures.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Soft, warm & fresh summer fragrance A head-turner |
| Cons | It may be too musky for some |
9. Montale Oudmazing Eau de Parfum
Review
Montale stays loyal to their power ingredient oud and presents their champion oud fragrance, Oudmazing Eau de Parfum.
This scent has an elegant oud opening, mixed with zesty, sweet and fresh fruity notes at the top. The oud settles down after a while, letting in a sweet sharpness of Egyptian jasmine. Earthy patchouli and orris keep the fragrance airy, powdery and spicy in the heart.
At the base, grape notes keep the fragrance green until vanilla creates a heavenly drydown that is leathery and woody with the top oudy-fruity notes and floral undertones.
Top Notes:
Fig, Oud, Pear, Sicilian Orange, Sicilian Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Patchouli Leaf, Orris, Egyptian Jasmine
Base Notes:
Grapes,Vanilla, Leather, White Musk
Seasons & Longevity
This may be a perfume for the colder temperatures of autumn/winter, but you’re if not one to play by the rules, wear whenever it catches your fancy!
Oudmazing Eau de Parfum packs quite a punch, lasting 12 hours and beyond. Moreover, its phenomenal projection makes this fragrance your perfect “dress to impress” scent.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Intoxicating and very sexy Great for evening wear |
| Cons | Leans towards the unisex side |
10. Montale Vanilla Extasy Eau de Parfum
Review
Vanilla Extasy Eau de Parfum, launched in 2008, is a fragrance packed with fruits, exotic spices, and of course, stunning vanilla.
A sweet apricot opening of fruit and blossom setting a floral scene soon leads to a heart of vanilla and ylang-ylang with touches of sweet jasmine.
Eventually, powdery woods and rich resin notes develop in the base. Settles to a fruity/vanilla fragrance with a rich resin kick that reminds me of several of the Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb fragrances.
Top Notes:
Apricot, Apricot Blossom
Mid Notes:
Vanilla, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine
Base Notes:
Benzoin, Sandalwood, Resins, Mahogany
Seasons & Longevity
Vanilla Extasy is perfect for chilly weather to satisfy your sweet and floral cravings. one for autumn, winter, spring. It is an excellent choice for a date night or a lazy evening stroll with special someone.
Performance is excellent, and you can expect 8+ hours of wear with decent longevity and projection.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Delicious, intoxicating scent Long-lasting with pleasant drydown |
| Cons | Some may find it too sweet |
Which Montale Perfume Smells The Best?
The best smelling Montale perfume for women is Intense Roses Musk Eau de Parfum. Strikingly realistic rose meets sensual musk and a hint of sweet jasmine. Longevity is an incredible 8+ hours with good sillage and projection.
Conclusion
Montale perfumes lean heavily towards the oriental, which some may find these fragrances are an acquired taste. However, once you get the hang of these scents, you will love basking in their vibrant uniqueness.
Each perfume in the Montale collection is well blended, quality, and performs incredibly well. What I really love about these fragrances are that they are all quite different.
Montale offers a discovery set where you can pick 5 of the best Montale perfumes that will suit you the most from their entire collection. This is excellent value, allowing you to find something new without spending too much.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
Hello
Am sorry, but as far as I can remember there is no coconut in Roses Musk – is it that the synopsis is in the wrong place – is that for the perfume below Rose’s Musk?
I collect perfumes & hv sevl hundred bottles am determined not to buy so many from now on (hopefully this year I can get testers) but am thinking of just two Montale bc I don’t hv any Montale (out is not something I like) – but am interested in the feminine & none oud bottles only so various ppl’s impressions are important; & if Roses Musk does hv coconut I shan’t bother with that one – am not typing this comment to criticise anybody, am not that person, honestly (!) 🙏
Hello Sarah, a great question! That is correct, there is NO coconut in either ‘Roses Musk’ or ‘Intense Roses Musk’ (we did not mention coconut in this article as far as I can see). Here are links to the official Mancera website for ‘Roses Musk‘ and ‘Intense Roses Musk‘