Fueguia 1833: a beguiling Buenos Aires perfumery

This fragranced atelier makes its mark with uniquely South American scents

A recent trip to Buenos Aires yielded many treasures: a stay at boutique bolthole Hub Porteño in the chic Recoleta area; a fondness for empanadas; and the discovery of niche perfumery and candle atelier Fueguia 1833. I wandered into this lovely laboratory, just steps from my hotel door, in a jet-lagged haze and was overwhelmed by a profusion of South American scents.

Founded in 2010 by Julian Bedel and Ama Amoedo, this dark, decidedly sexy boutique was a labour of love – no detail or finish has been rushed or overlooked. Sleek recycled-glass jars dominate the room, and some 50-plus varieties create a quasi art installation. Low lighting, maps of Patagonia and simple wooden packaging add to the sumptuous elegance.

Perfumes are grouped into seven collections, including Destinos, Personajes and Fábula Fauna, but bespoke fragrances are also a key ingredient at Fueguia. All of Bedel’s creations incorporate flora and fauna from Patagonia, which he is happy to alter (or create anew) to suit a client’s wishes.

Castillos is just one scent in the Destinos collection and it masterfully mixes notes of jasmine, tuberose and the Argentinean favourite, mate, while Pampa Húmeda is meant to evoke the “green, clean” feel that occurs after a good downpour and incorporates hints of rosemary and eucalyptus. Other highlights include Darwin and Humboldt – from the citrusy Personajes range – as well as Jacarandá, a floral concoction with undertones of bergamot and cedar moss. Almost as compelling as the fragrances are the names ­– reflecting global travel, explorers and plant species. Fragrances are available in 30ml absoluto (£106), 30ml agua de perfume (£58) and 100ml perfume (£158), as well as in 15ml roll-on (£55), and each comes in a beautiful handmade wooden box (second picture).

Vegetable-based candles (third picture) are no also-rans and I purchased the Amalia Primavera (£78) – with its hints of floral ambergris and jasmine – although spicier versions, including the Noel with clove and grapefruit, also enticed.

The final element of the shop that I loved was its commitment to the environment and social programmes in South America. Forty-two per cent of the product price of all perfumes, candles and room fragrances is donated to Help Argentina, an organisation dedicated to funding educational projects throughout the country. Such social consciousness makes these scents all the sweeter.