Ermenegildo Zegna 2026 EDT

U ££££ Acquired

Il Sottobosco

by Fabrice Pellegrin

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Ermenegildo Zegna Il Sottobosco is an Eau de Toilette launched in 2026, created by Fabrice Pellegrin. Il Sottobosco opens with Pink Pepper, settles into a heart of Carrot Seeds, and dries down to a base of Patchouli. Ermenegildo Zegna's Il Sottobosco carries an Acquired verdict, a woody-led wear.

This is a bold, modern take on earthiness that won't be for everyone. It's a divisive scent, with some finding it a unique masterpiece and others completely turned off by its 'wet soil' vibe. Definitely sample first.
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  • Classic
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  • Relaxed
  • Elegant
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Il Sottobosco Eau de Toilette bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Pink Pepper100%
Heartas listed
Carrot Seeds100%
Baseas listed
Patchouli100%

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall

An autumn-weather scent at heart - warm leaves and shorter days territory.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Casual
Also Works:
Date Formal

Given its subdued nature and lack of overtly 'pushy' projection, this scent fits well in casual or date settings where subtlety is appreciated. While it could work in an office if applied lightly, its earthy, niche character might be too unusual for some formal events.

About

Il Sottobosco opens with an almost mineral-like pink pepper, quickly giving way to carrot seeds that lean into a surprisingly earthy, humus-like texture. The heart is all about damp forest floor and flinty moss, rounded out by a soft, slightly powdery patchouli in the base. It’s an unusual journey through cool, wet undergrowth, grounded by subtle woody and musky nuances, with nary a sweet note in sight.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Il Sottobosco Eau de Toilette - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Il Sottobosco Eau de Toilette - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.