Description
Zegna Intenso is the third fragrance for men of the Italian house Zegna. The first perfume demonstrated Italian elegance, the second Z Zegna is a fragrance for younger audience, and the third Zegna is entirely about seduction.
The perfume composition is created on the contrasts of light and dark notes. Such (visual) technique is called chiaroscuro what in Italian means ‘light and shadow (dark)’. If you are tired of the warm day’s bright light, just close the blinds, as the darkened room relaxes your eyes and awakens your imagination. The Intenso bottle exactly reminds of the play of light and shadow in a room with closed blinds. The sensual chiaroscuro play can be seen on the ad poster. The same principle Daniela Andrier applied in the perfume composition.
The light notes are: mandarin, lemon, cardamom and pink pepper at the beginning. The dark and sensual notes lie in the heart and the drydown: iris, vetiver, cedar wood, amber, sandal wood, vanilla, Tonka bean and musk. The perfume was created in 2007.
The nose behind this fragrance is Daniela (Roche) Andrier.
Svyrydov – :
Got this for $15.00 at Marshalls. Not bad for the price, but smells nothing special to me.
psywolk – :
Intenso is a real pleasant scent but like a lot of people have said it’s also kind of boring and there are other fragrances that do this type of scent way better.
To describe this scent on its own I’d say this is a slightly powdery,soft,slightly soapy scent that’s smooth and also very pleasant but also kind of bland.
Yes this does smell like a watered down,more airy version of Armani Code but this actually resembles Playboy Hollywood even more (Which is also a take on Armani Code). But in all honesty Playboy Hollywood is not only the cheapest but also the best smelling as well as the cheapest and most complimented scent I own out of all those 3 I just mentioned. So for a scent that I purchased for $5 that makes intenso lose a lot of points.
Performance on this is not great as it doesn’t really project however it does last 3-6 hours but is just a skin scent.
Overall rating —6.5 out of 10 ! Decent scent with below average performance. But when I’m craving a scent like Intenso I’ll always go with Playboy Hollywood.
Sidenote— if this had more iris I think I would love this rather than like this.
burovceva-t – :
This is a nice scent. Real nice. Perhaps too nice. It has that now-familiar cardamom/tonka vibe that has been done so many times, yet the added iris elevates its class. It is nicely priced, available at discounters for $15.00. It is nice and polite in performance and sillage. People will never be offended by this, even if you spray 8 times…and that’s why I can’t love it. If this stuff just lasted more than three hours, it would be amazing. But as it is, it remains a nice option when you want to smell nice..,for a little while. Yet another good contemporary perfume marred by poor longevity. I hope this modem “trend” passes quickly. Save the Beast Modes!!
ubt428Unlogrere – :
Everyone is entitled to their thoughts, but I agree with the ‘herd’ in regards to the familiarity to Armani Code. I blind-bought this for $20 at a discount store and my immediate thoughts after spraying it was “that’s Armani Code”.. it even had that fuzzy tone that Emporio Armani Diamonds also has, so it’s VERY similar to Code from I gathered… and on top of that it was only $20! Smells great throughout it’s 5 hour duration. Longevity is ok, very Italian smelling. Big thumbs up in my book.
sobol – :
I do get why people compare it to Armani Code. There are a few notes that I get, which are also in Code. But it is an absolutely different fragrance. Zegna Intenso is much more subtle and soft than Code. Code is a lot sweeter and a bit more sharp.
I am (a little bit) disappointed about the performance of this fragrance. Yesterday I sprayed it on my wrist and 2 hours later, I had to bury my nose in my wrist, in order to smell it. An hour later I took a shower (without washing my wrists) and the fragrance was totally gone. Not a trace.
Testing it side by side with Armani Code Ultimate at this moment and I have to say, that I cannot recall smelling a weaker fragrance than Zegna Intenso.
Scent: 7/10
Projection: 1/10
Sillage: 1/10
Longevity: 2/10
Versatility 7/10 (Can not go wrong if you cannot smell it)
Total: 4/10 and I am being generous
said0049 – :
Already have it. But TJ Maxx has 3.4oz for 19.99 hell of a deal.
igor140399 – :
I’m a loyal fan of Armani Code since 2009, and indeed Zegna Intenso smells almost exactly like Armani Code. The only differences are that Zegna Intenso is a little bit lighter and refreshing than Armani Code.
On Zegna you feel the delicious and sporty mandarine, perfect for a day scent. While Armani Code is better for the night.
I was really excited to try this one, because I love Armani Code, but I always felt this aroma is principaly better on night. So now I know I have a perfect option for daytime, more fresh and clean, and cheaper hahaha Thank God for Zegna Intenso!
slomistidgils – :
This doesn’t smell like Armani Code, people will just go along with whatever they’re told
I wish the top notes would last longer, they’re the best bit
vstabletki – :
I think i’ll get this for Father’s day … my stepdad will love it well hopefully.
Bumer1100 – :
Zegna Intenso Ermenegildo Zegna for men to me is very ordinary Greg , nothing spacial at all .
pul16al – :
You are called, through the depths of night, into a velvety comfort. It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust – the moonlight glitters softly on the contours of the Grand room that stretches before you. The room feels alive, you can hear the furniture breathe and sigh as the moments pass. The wind whispers it’s way into the room carrying the moons lemony glow across your skin. The room exhales deeply, fragrancing the air with a subtle cardamom and mahogany – you drink deeply. Moments later, you feel another presence in the room, watching silently. A slow chill creeps – its icy iris touch clinging lightly to all in its wake. A snap of ginger echoes like a whip throughout the room – your heart races. A hand reaches out to touch you – it soothes you into an unspeakable trance…you belong to the night. You awake in your bed, heart racing, head throbbing – was it all a twisted dream?! Your sheets are moist from your perspiration – there is a mild spice that mingles with your sweet musk….you feel the night beckon you once more.
Day 61 – Elusive
Listening to: The Gathering: The Big Sleep
Notes: I couldn’t help but go with the vampire theme presented by Van Allen (I can’t seem to find his review anymore though…) – this fume is perfectly suited for late hour bloodsucking! The opening is a very crisp and clean lemon and ginger combo that is contrasted with a cool iris and the rich spiciness from the cardamom and pink pepper. The scent lingers between these fresher notes and the darker notes of the slightly smoky woods and tonka. There’s something in here that makes the fume feel smooth but daring…whatever the case, it is a very enjoyable 7 to 8 hours! It also smells nothing like the leathery, woody, sweet & spicy scent of Armani Code…I really don’t understand that comparison. I have original versions of both…maybe that’s why.
c080808c – :
Underrated gem. Very much in line with the armani code basic as it has been said. Perfect for office wear. Longevity and sillage poor.
rustam66 – :
I dont see it something remarkable or unique…the same tonka bean smell has been done many many times. For me is a pass..
Gidrohlor – :
Guys, what a wonderful scent! It reminds me a lot of Dolce & Gabbana The One, but this one is even better!
I recommend!
knopochka712 – :
Absolutely my favorite with high compliments. I love it also and I’m currently using the second bottle.
npipo – :
Nov 2015
Did a side by side with an old Code since this is recommended as a substitute for Code. I think there is a huge exaggeration about this similarity. It’s the same kind of scent, yes, but carbon copy, no.
To say they are close, is just not picking up on the true character of these scents.
The code (vintage) is spicier and deeper. This is not as delicately balanced to me and this smells more like a cologne than Code. Code has that effortless attraction whereas I find this more sharp/citrusy than smooth. The opening also is more alcoholic smelling than code was.
Will try it out a couple of times, but I’m not certainly not overwhelmed.
2017 Sep
Just wanna add that Code has been reformulated to hell so it’s not the spicy smooth scent it once was. It’s probably closer to Intenso today being more light. No Armani Code today has the original feeling anymore. I’m trying Black Sun in the hopes of getting my Vintage code fix, wish me luck.
753951 – :
Initially, I get iris, cardamom, tonka, and maybe a little bit of citrus. After a couple hours, the note I get is primarily iris which reminds me of the Dior Homme line. I compared this side-by-side with Armani Code yesterday, and I much prefer Zegna Intenso. It’s just a much more sophisticated scent to my nose and doesn’t turn into a bland, sweet combination of notes.
sasha-port – :
Great blind buy based on reviews… Def armani code vibe but I like this better…got it for 15.00 at tjmax on clearance…really nice instant top 10 for me…9/10..
P o p – :
What an exquisite potion this is. I can see why it is compared to Armani Code, though it does not quite have Code’s depth or breadth. Still, if Code is to be reserved for gala nights this beast is the perfect everyday alter ego. Intenso is mature, subtle and debonair, and should occupy a place in any over 25s’ perfume collection. I purchased it as a blind buy thanks to the reviews on Fragrantica and I am glad I did.
yurina.emma – :
Everything smells nice but not a fan of the sweetness from tonal bean. It is very upfront and centered. No way to avoid it. I prefer the original Uomo any day but hey maybe someone else likes it.
tamerlan – :
Smells nothing like Armani Code, tbh. Neither are amazing, but give Zegna some credit. They made something lacking Bergamot, and it’s not half bad. It’s a very masculine woody spicy fragrance.
Lost_Stranger – :
Fantastic. I was luck to score this for 20 bucks at Marshalls…What can I say that hasn’t been said. This is absolutely fantastic. I feel like the man wearing this out on date night. I feel like the man wearing it out on a casual errand run. It’s versatile and I don’t think there is one person on this planet who doesn’t like if not love this smell. This will make the perfect christmas gift for men of all ages, even a teen so long as he is a more mature and confident teen…
Updated 12/10/14
As far as the armani code comparisons…yes there is definitely a similar vibe. Zegna is far nicer imo. Its like code with highly natural fresh zesty citrus top..also the citrus stays throughout. Whereas with code it goes away and turns very gourmand like with that generic anise that can get cloying after a while. Zegna stays fresh with just the right touch of gourmand throughout.
юранд – :
one of my favorite…the spices is well balanced great perfume 8.5/10
xxfilxx – :
After a long search of a new fragrance.. I decided to buy my 3rd bottle of this gem.
This will surprise you with its elegant, classy, smooth and sexy woody and masculine notes.
This is all I want in a man’s fragrance – it is versatile, very sexy and longevity is great too. Pure class.
v_shel – :
This was a surprise to say the least. Zegna Intenso is a very beautiful smell.
The opening is a lemony fiesta. On me the lemon is the most dominant note through all the phases. Cardamom and Iris joins in next to create a sprightly and energizing fragrance that last a long enough time and projects nicely.
I am surprised that most of the reviewers, classified this as a winter smell… Maybe it is… But on me, the lemon is so ever present and sparkling that I can only imagine it as a summer scent! Sure it’s spicy too… But it’s fresh, clean and office friendly… For me, this is the scent you want to go for if you do not want to go on the marine/citrus/aquatic road that overload the summer fragrances these days!
Overall 8/10
wertwas – :
Quite similar to John Varvatos Vintage. Love it this two perfumes.
z1z2z3 – :
Grown up man with a very classy top notch scent. Sillage is good and the chicks like this as well. Very good scent and this scent smell better than those 100 bucks a bottle cologne. Good overall scent and not offensive at all.
rovshan71 – :
In 2007, the Italian House Ermenegildo Zegna decided to launch its third fragrance, full of contrasts between light notes and dark nuances, whose technique was named “chiaroscuro”, i.e., light and dark. Indeed, this is reflected in its own bottle, which is an allusion to an environment with curtains, in which light and shadow are your choices.
It is a spicy and oriental fragrance with Woody nuances and great elegance. It is composed by notes of Mandarin orange (still green) and Italian Lemon, along with pink pepper and cardamom, just in the outgoing. In the heart, Iris, vetiver and cedar. At the base, the creamy touch of vanilla and tonka bean, allied with sandalwood and musk notes.
The result is not too innovative, as it has a lot of similarity with other cologne, released in 2004, and which was already enshrined in the market: Armani Code. However, they have distinct characteristics and, in comparison, they are different. Once again, I advocate the use of the term “similar” instead of saying “equal”, classic mistake made by many experts and users of perfumes.
While the one from 2004 projects more and its notes of anise, tobacco and leather are evident, in this creation from 2007, the projection is not strong, because the Italians are known for their elegance and refinement. Therefore, in my point of view, it is a fragrance more suitable for daytime use, with its fresh and radiant notes in the output, apart from greater concern about the refinement and maturity aspects and, above all, with very good lasting.
wilig – :
Love all the Zegna fragrances but this one is magic! It has a great burst of a kind of sherbet lemony zingy thing in the top notes which then makes way for a powdery, woody base which is just lovely.
My favourite of the Zegnas I’ve encountered.
I had a last minute meltdown in the shop and bought Zegna Forte…but this one is next on my hit list.
haron_80 – :
The best product of 2012.A fabulous upbeat fragrance.The heart accord is brilliant.Similar to Very Irresistible by Givenchy.Wonderful notes of chocolate,exotic fruits,woods & vanilla.
Oblighblothpc – :
Yes, there is an accord here that is quite similar to Code. However, the wood is not as strong, and I found that too “synthetic” in Code so I am glad this one is not too similar. The wood seems to try to emerge once in a while but the syrupy/ambery qualities keep it in line. It lasts a long time but is not too strong (I only used one spray to the chest). I found it reasonably natural smelling and suggest that anyone who thinks the wood note in Code is too strong to try this one, assuming you otherwise like Code.
jqp240speagoessenda – :
I picked this one up from a store in Brisbane airport for around $ 50 approx. The scent is quite good, grows on you and works as a mood enhancer. But I am highly disappointed because of its very low lasting power. On me it stayed only for couple of hours even after a generous spray. Not recommended.
leolube – :
با سلام
از انجایی که به عطرهای اسپایس علاقه دارم
این عطر رو هم دوست دارم
ولی بعد از چند دقیقه اون حالت تند و اسپایسی از بین میره و رایحه به سمت شیرینی میل پیدا میکنه
من که دوسش دارم
اما خیلی نامبر وان هم نیست
spidvova – :
Sophisticated, modern with a lot of character. I’m not usually easily impressed but this one got me. The fresh and very organic citruses immediately mellow into a heart of the best take on iris I’ve come across in a masculine scent. It’s very soft and nicely blended with cedar, not overly powdery. The drydown is quite sweet but earthy as the vetiver keeps the tonka in check, and the scent retains a masculine dry-woody feeling. Alluring and slightly intoxicating, great romantic scent but versatile enough for day wear.
leomesi – :
This is my 3rd Zegna offering, and, by far, the best.
It’s similar to Zegna Colognia but more interesting and the scent is more solid/intense.
My wife actually commented she liked this one after the initial blast which she didn’t care for. It’s rare to get much praise for anything I’m wearing but this got a little.
It reminded me of Declaration without the spiciness. It’s a smoother version.
Longevity is good… I applied 4 fragrances today and this is the strongest of the four after 7 hours.
Not much projection or sillage but a nice day/work scent. This isn’t going to bump anything off my favorites line, but overall it’s really nice.
Lucy_fromAD – :
This remind me of Issey miyaki with fresh starting. But this little to intense but soft.
Longevity are 8-10hours on my skin. Good for day time.
Tokole – :
One of the best men’s colognes on the market right now, pure class… It has a mixed balance, starts off fresh and clean, then transforms into something like armani code then it goes back to the fresh clean smell. 10/10 for smell but, I just dost think you can really stand out wearing this :s
lexa100kg – :
Since I’m a bit sensitive when it comes to fragrances, I was skeptical when I first caught the aroma of Zegna Intenso. But after time I’ve found that the initial strong spicy scent morphs into a woodsy/musky scent with just a hint of spiciness to it. I’m grateful the projection isn’t quite that strong. I actually enjoy it most whenever I catch a glancing or fleeting scent of it. It acts as kind of a pick me up. I definitely prefer the fragrance in its later stages, after a couple hours or so.
Overall I think it’s a wonderful fragrance that works during the day if applied subtly, and is even better at night. Just as the designers intended I bet.
One of better fragrances out there, for sure.
pronin526 – :
Simply the best cologne I’ve ever smelt !
I was planning to give my boyfriend a watch for his birthday, but when I walked through the perfume department, this particular and pleasant scent caught my attention immediately.
It’s so seductive and elegant, highly consistent for a man of 35 years old.
He is really enjoying my gift because I can not take my hands out of him. =)
Tsogoev – :
This one is okay. Smells nice, but not very distinctive. Nothing about it really catches me. I have since gotten some other evening frags that are much more interesting (such as La Nuit De L’homme), so I passed on my bottle of Zegna.
Vista_neon – :
just chanced upon this today,had a test spray and loved it after 10 mins so grabbed it as the price had been slashed to £17 for a gift set.yes,I agree with the classy nature and sophistication you get with the scent.it’s not screaming loud at u but at the same time love its subtlety.it does last long and yeah does stay close to the skin.the dry down I must admit is really similar to armani code-way too similar.
my only disappointment of the day was I left Debenhams thinking I had a 100ml bottle only to realise it was a 50ml one.Only the tester was!!!
DronLee – :
This fragrance is elegance and class in a bottle. I find it similar to L’homme by YSL however, it’s not as sweet and a bit fuller IMO. I describe describe this frag as sweet and somewhat creamy. in the beginning the scent’s projection is pretty strong however that dries down after an hour or two and stays on the skin. i smell the frag on me for hours after application though it’s projection may not be as strong as the first hour or so trust me it’s there. zegna intenso is good for evening wear and intimate settings.
GrPeegualgala – :
Bargained for a tester and liked it immediately. Yes there are vibes of Code, but the drydown is different, and this is more sophisticated and mature. Surprisingly, it doesn’t last long on me, which is one drawback. Think I’ll buy it again in the future…
Sillage : weaker than code
Longevity : 3 hours
Feeling : Rich
Feedback : fine
Recommendation : if you think you’re old for Code, then you’ll love this
mihail-chechen9 – :
Starts fresh, sweet and nice … can see Armandi Code during its drydown and is following close by Boss Selection on base notes. Like Code and Selection starts better than finishes, and certainly would be, to me, THE alternative to 212 Sexy Man and its friends. Nice bottles by Zegna. I’m thinking now about this new one, Zegna Forte. Really nothing to do with Tokyo and, Issey Miyake Homme Intense “:¬O? I need to try this one again but so far I don’t see not a single parallel “:¬).
alexandro_89 – :
A fresh aroma and fine woods, a little sophisticated, with a touch spicy, creamy and soft, seem to dominate their base notes printed with dry wood.
It is very suitable for formal meetings, is a sober aroma, not very suitable for dating. This fragrance stays on my skin for up to 8 hours.
stifler – :
This ones is almost 90% similar to the L’Eau D’issey Miyake Pour Homme Intense, specially the dry down, 99% similar.
As the name suggest, it is Intense version of the original and it last more than 5 hours on me, silliage is good and it is truly musculine fragrance.
It is clean, simple, masculine, low-toned but still noticeable and last a decent time on me. I get a very comfortable and mature man feeling with this one! Nice. I will give 7/10 for this one.
rolexreplica16959 – :
Another ‘under the radar’ scent. The freshness I smell in this is gourmandish. It smells like a sweet piece of candy then morphs into a white cake with rich vanilla frosting. I am almost piss’d at myself for pluggin’ anybody onto this gem, but hot damn! this is good stuff.
rwofctgi – :
i detect some woodsy and distinctive kicks to this one and musk musk musk
another good mens scent and high end good ingredients
freezon – :
this one makes me feel sophisticated and simply at the same time, is a very agreeable fragrance for the smell of the one who carries it, with good fastener and very balanced in his elements
sanek428 – :
excellent fragrance, very long-lasting
Xeroxdakkj – :
As someone already said, certainly floral and vanillic. Powdery even, a sweet though masculine fragrance, best suited to evenings and hot dates, not the workplace. The bottle suggests that this fragrance plays the chiaroscuro game, which it does, leaving one uncertain as to gravity/lightness of this EDT, and ultimately to its very purpose. I have it and use it occasionally for a change, no more than once a month.
andrupiy – :
I wear this around the office and it seems to get many compliments. Very nice smell to it, not a sharp smell, but strong enough to last most of the work day for me.
A4 – :
really nice lemony floral-vanillic aroma, similar to YSL homme and diesel fuel. Versatile, comfortable and manly.. a fragance to day or night, you can go wrong..
nothing to compare to code or tokyo, what happen with that noses.. =P
KaraNebesnay – :
very geniune fragrance. outwardles masculine and sweet at the same time. unlike other fresh scents it stands out as seductive yet still clean.
ead231speagoessenda – :
Tried today and think it´s fresh and elegand. Five minutes after aplication I think it a little sweet and it reminds me tokyo by kenzo. At the end it becomes woody. Really a masculine, elegant and distinctive fragrance. I guess its better in winter or cool days. Not for teens.
killdaorc – :
it’s a day by day fragrance… it’s ok for an office, or for hanging out with some friends 😉 But.. it’s not so fresh and doesn’t last 2 long…
kerz_serega – :
after all positive comments, i am going to seize the first chance to test it. 🙂
thanks for your comments.