Dionisio Tiziana Terenzi 2018 unisex 69

The Verdict

Tiziana Terenzi's Dionisio is one of those fragrances that can fundamentally alter how you think about vanilla in perfumery. Created by Paolo Terenzi in 2018, this extrait de parfum takes a minimalist approach to note composition, centering everything around ambergris, two types of vanilla, oud, jasmine, and lily of the valley, and achieves a result that many describe as transformative. This is not vanilla as confectionery; this is vanilla as skin, as warmth, as something deeply human.

The fragrance has generated passionate responses on both ends of the spectrum. Those who love it describe it as one of the most luxurious scents in their collection, while detractors have used considerably less flattering language. This polarization is part of its character; Dionisio is not interested in pleasing everyone, and its boldness is precisely what makes it memorable.

What It Smells Like

Dionisio opens with ambergris and musk that create an immediate impression of warmth and closeness. There is a pheromonic quality from the very first spray that sets the tone for everything that follows. The ambergris provides a salty, mineral depth that keeps the composition from ever reading as purely sweet.

The heart is where the dual vanilla accord takes center stage. Tahitian vanilla brings a floral, slightly fruity sweetness, while Madagascan vanilla provides the rich, balsamic depth. Together, they create a vanilla experience that is neither sweet nor synthetic but instead feels organic and alive, like warm skin after a day in the sun. Jasmine and lily of the valley add subtle floral facets that prevent the vanilla from becoming one-dimensional.

As the fragrance evolves over 6 to 8 hours, the oud emerges from the base, introducing a woody, slightly funky character that adds complexity and edge. The oud is present but not dominant; it serves to darken and ground the vanilla rather than compete with it. The overall effect is of a fragrance that becomes softer and rounder over time, the initial boldness mellowing into something intimate and deeply personal.

When to Wear It

Dionisio is at its best during cooler months when its warmth and intensity can shine without becoming overwhelming. Fall and winter evenings are ideal, where the fragrance's enveloping character complements layered clothing and low lighting. This is a scent for moments when you want to feel exceptional: date nights, special dinners, and intimate gatherings.

Despite its intensity, Dionisio is not exclusively an evening fragrance. On cool autumn days, it works beautifully as a daytime scent, though the strong projection may be too much for conservative office environments. The key is temperature: this fragrance needs cool air to breathe properly.

Longevity & Projection

As an extrait de parfum, Dionisio delivers serious performance. Longevity ranges from 10 to 14 hours on skin, with the fragrance persisting for days on clothing. Some wearers report catching traces on scarves and jackets well after the initial wearing.

Projection is strong, particularly in the first few hours. The sillage is described as extreme; you will be noticed. After the initial blast, the projection settles to a warm, close-to-skin aura that remains detectable by those nearby without filling entire rooms. This evolution from bold announcement to intimate presence is one of the fragrance's most appealing qualities.

The Community Says

The community response to Dionisio is enthusiastic but not unanimous. Admirers describe it as outstandingly unique, a vanilla perfume that is neither sweet, synthetic, nor artificial smelling, and that feels like a natural part of you. One TikTok reviewer noted that it absolutely altered her brain chemistry upon first wearing, which captures the intensity of positive reactions well.

Criticism centers on two issues: some noses interpret the animalic and oud notes negatively, with isolated reports of the fragrance reading as unpleasant, and there are concerns about quality consistency in recent batches. Several community members have warned that the 2024 production shows significant quality decline compared to earlier batches, with reduced scent strength and sillage.

Who Should Buy This

Dionisio is for the fragrance enthusiast who values uniqueness, quality, and the ability of a scent to create an emotional response. If you love vanilla but are tired of synthetic, candy-like interpretations, this offers something genuinely different. Its genderless character makes it accessible to anyone regardless of how they identify, and its minimalist composition ensures that what you smell is quality rather than complexity for its own sake.

The price is substantial, and given reports of batch variation, seeking out earlier production runs may be advisable. Sampling before committing to a full bottle is essential, both because of the price and because the animalic qualities that delight some noses may not work for all.

The Bottom Line

Dionisio is a fragrance that earns its reputation as something special. By taking a focused, minimalist approach to vanilla and surrounding it with ambergris and oud, Tiziana Terenzi has created something that transcends the typical niche vanilla offering. It is sensual without being overtly sexual, warm without being saccharine, and bold without being aggressive. For those who connect with it, Dionisio becomes not just a fragrance but an experience.