An afternoon with Gabriele

As the sun shines clear in the blue sky of Tuglie, a southern Italian village, I found myself in the delightful company of Gabriele and his timeless charm. Spending an afternoon with him was like stepping into a world where time had slowed down, and stories flowed like the sweet fragrance of the Mediterranean breeze.

Gabriele is shop owner of a bottega nestled amidst Apulian streets and colorful buildings - his place is a treasure trove of perfumes, each bottle containing a piece of history and a splash of passion. The bottega's wooden shelves are adorned with an array of beautifully crafted flacons, each housing a unique olfactory experience. But beyond the perfumes, it was Gabriele's own story that captured my heart.

We settled into his cozy shop, sipping on freshly brewed espresso, Gabriele began to unravel the tapestry of his life. Every perfume has its own history and he knows them all - memories of him growing up in this very village mix with the power of the scents that transport to different times and places, evoking emotions and impressions long forgotten.

He explains that here perfumes become a seductive signature of self, attraction and persuasion, love and sex, a new identity that fosters beauty, the memory of past times and the color of light among the clouds.

And we also talked about books, music and art that perfume is inspired by. These are all very select products that are not found in ordinary perfumeries and are born under the banner of the relationship nature as creation and product as recreation.

Gabriele's passion for perfumes extended beyond the confines of his shop.

As the afternoon sun bathed the shop in a warm, golden hue, Gabriele's stories wove a tapestry of nostalgia, love, and dedication. His passion for perfumes is a way of preserving his heritage and pass down his knowledge and love for perfumery to his daughter and grandchildren, so that tradition could continue to flourish.

Our time together was simple yet profound.

As I left Gabriele's shop that evening I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to spend an afternoon with a true maestro. In the heart of southern Italy, I had discovered not just the art of fragrance but also the art of storytelling and the beauty of a life well-lived.

Olfattoteca is a destination suspended between enchantment and remembrance, where one rediscovers the art and pleasure of losing oneself among essences and senses, on a path that praises slowness and care for the soul.