Via Manzoni 20

The Verdict

Xerjoff Via Manzoni 20 is the kind of fragrance that inspires strong reactions in both directions. Released in 2025 as an exclusive to the brand's Milan boutique at the eponymous address, it attempts to capture the mood of Milanese aperitivo hour: chic, sophisticated, a little intoxicating. For those who connect with its vision, it ranks among Xerjoff's most interesting recent creations. For those who do not, the opening can be genuinely off-putting.

The fragrance community on Fragrantica has been vocal about this divide. Some reviewers describe being instantly fascinated, calling it truly a good Xerjoff with warm brandy blended beautifully with sweet cherry essence. Others report a disgusting opening that smells like rotten cherry wine. This is not a crowd-pleaser but rather a conversation piece designed for those who appreciate bold olfactory choices.

What It Smells Like

The opening of Via Manzoni 20 is dominated by morello cherry and brandy, creating a boozy, dark fruit impression that immediately divides opinion. Coriander adds a subtle spice that keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying. For admirers, this combination evokes the moment you raise a Negroni at a fashionable Milanese terrace. For detractors, it recalls overripe fruit approaching fermentation.

As the heart develops, davana, rosemary, and juniper introduce an herbal, subtly aromatic quality that tempers the boozy opening. The base reveals the true sophistication of the composition: smoky vetiver, resinous myrrh, and velvety sandalwood combine to create a warm, earthy foundation. The progression from provocative opening to refined drydown is the fragrance's greatest strength.

When to Wear It

Via Manzoni 20 is an evening fragrance through and through. Its boozy character and smoky woody base suit cocktail hours, dinner dates, and the kind of cultural events where you want your fragrance to be a conversation starter. The Milanese aperitivo inspiration is not just marketing; this genuinely feels suited to those hours between late afternoon and midnight.

Avoid wearing this in professional settings or during daytime, where the pronounced brandy note may read as unusual or overpowering. This is a fragrance for occasions when you want to make a deliberate impression.

Longevity & Projection

Perfomance is one area where Via Manzoni 20 earns praise even from mixed reviews. The fragrance offers above-average longevity, with the spicy-sweet core persisting well into the evening. Multiple reviewers note that the drydown phase, where vetiver and sandalwood take over, is particularly long-lasting.

Projection is moderate to strong during the opening hours, settling into a closer sillage as the woody base takes hold. For a 50ml Parfum concentration, the performance justifies the niche price point.

The Community Says

The fragrance community is sharply divided on Via Manzoni 20. Fragrantica reviewers who love it call it magnificent, a scent that truly captures the essence of Milan, and one of their top three Xerjoff fragrances. Those who dislike it find the opening challenging, describing a difficult mess that is too alcoholic, too herbal, with cherry that is too subtle once the base and heart notes take over. As a boutique exclusive with very limited distribution, the fragrance has not yet accumulated a large number of reviews.

Who Should Buy This

Via Manzoni 20 is designed for the adventurous fragrance enthusiast who already appreciates Xerjoff's craftsmanship and is willing to seek out a Milan boutique exclusive. If you enjoy boozy openings, smoky woods, and fragrances that tell a story from first spray to final drydown, this rewards exploration. Collectors who want something genuinely different from the typical niche offering will find it compelling.

Those who prefer safe, universally pleasing scents should sample before committing. The opening is simply too polarizing for a blind buy at this price point.

The Bottom Line

Xerjoff Via Manzoni 20 is an ambitious, polarizing composition that captures the spirit of Milanese sophistication through a bold lens. Its journey from boozy cherry-brandy opening to refined smoky woods is fascinating for those who appreciate unconventional fragrance design. The Milan boutique exclusivity and distinctive bottle make it a genuine collector's piece, but the divisive opening means this is strictly a try-before-you-buy proposition.