Let’s explore how cistus absolute is produced at the Casalvento laboratories and compare the process with other methods.
Cistus Ladaniferus (or Rock Rose) is a plant we’ve been fond of for at least 2,000 years. Its natural habitat is Spain and Portugal; here in Tuscany, it’s only found in specialized cultivation: it prefers acidic, sunny soils. Cistus Monspeliensis, Cistus Albidus, and Cistus Creticus are widespread in Chianti, but these plants bear no resemblance to their relative, which produces an exceptionally fragrant resin, cited by Pliny as ladanum.
At Casalvento, the production of Cistus Absolute uses only Cistus Ladaniferus.
We discovered this plant during a long journey that took us all the way to the Atlantic. In Spain, grass and bushes along the roads are cut with huge tractors that crush everything, and it was curious to see one of the cutting systems literally soaked in fragrant resin. In Portugal, cistus is found everywhere. The seeds are linked to the ecology of fire: they must heat up to germinate, and frequent fires play a key role in propagating this pioneer plant.
We collected many capsules, each containing hundreds of seeds. On our return, we planted them and grew them in Chianti.
The Greeks and Romans used labdanum to produce incense, fine perfumes, and therapeutic ointments. Growing cistus in the Chianti region is like recreating the atmosphere of a viridarium, the garden of ancient Roman villas. The resin’s scent is complex and profound: reminiscent of amber, it’s slightly balsamic, and has an animalic note that lingers on darker skin types.
Cistus essential oil (also called true cistus oil) is obtained by steam distillation of the entire plant (including the flowering tips). It is a clear, light orange-yellow liquid with a warm, herbaceous odor. The production yield ranges from 0.06% to 0.12%.
Cistus absolute (also called resinoid absolute) is obtained from the black resin that rises to the surface after placing the sprigs in boiling water. Solvent extraction occurs in ethanol after collecting the resinoid and has a 29% yield. It has a very viscous consistency and a dark amber color, with a powerful and persistent odor. Exceptionally soluble with other essences (lavandin, juniper, opoponax, pine, clary sage, ionones, etc.), it is primarily used in aldehydic, amber, and oriental or fantasy-inspired perfumes.
Cistus concrete is obtained by drying the twigs in small pieces in the shade and treating them with ethyl ether, petroleum ether, or benzene (with a yield of 3.5%, 4.5%, and 7%, respectively). The production of ex-concrete absolute has a yield of approximately 57% and is very viscous and not easily soluble in alcohol.
In the image: Cistus Ladaniferus variety Maculatus (right) and variety Albiflorus (left).