Rosendo Mateu

# Rosendo Mateu: Master Perfumer of Spanish Heritage

## From Barcelona to Grasse

Rosendo Mateu (1945-2021) was one of the great names in contemporary perfumery. Born in Spain, he entered the fragrance industry at just 15 years old as an apprentice at the Puig company in Barcelona. His passion led him to study perfumery in Grasse at the Roure School (now Givaudan) under Master Marcel Carles, followed by years of training in Geneva with Arturo Jordi Pey at Firmenich and in Paris with Max Gavarry at IFF.

During more than 50 years with the Puig house, Mateu created iconic fragrances that defined Spanish perfumery. His creations include Agua Brava (1968), Brummel (1975), and Quorum (1981), alongside compositions for Carolina Herrera, Paco Rabanne, and Nina Ricci. In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious title of Master Perfumer for his extraordinary dedication and knowledge.

## A Personal Legacy

After retiring from Puig, Mateu launched his own house, Rosendo Mateu Olfactive Expressions, in 2015 together with his son Joan. This deeply personal collection allowed him to freely explore subtle, sensual accords centered on noble materials such as [musk](/note/musk), [sandalwood](/note/sandalwood), [amber](/note/amber), and [neroli](/note/neroli).

His collaboration with Zoologist on [Northern Cardinal](/perfume/zoologist-northern-cardinal) demonstrates his mastery of vibrant compositions, weaving together warm [bergamot](/note/bergamot) and spicy accents with rich florals and woody depth. Mateu's legacy is twofold: powerful yet refined creations, and a vision of perfume as both science and poetry.