The Italians are known for creating things with style, flair and creative originality but I'm not so sure this new Marvis toothpaste quite equates with driving an Alfa Romeo Giulia Guadrifoglio. Don't get me wrong; it's a marvellous toothpaste. It beats Colgate. It does the job, as you would expect. Chocolate and mint together are a wonderful combination. It even tastes good. I love cherries. And it's made in Italy.

But – and it could be a personal thing – I am not a fan of cherry essence in lieu of the flavour of a real cherry. It seems almost fake. And that's the only reason why this product doesn't hit the mark. The chocolate is there. The mint is there. But the cherry flavour is fake. I cringe.

I only keep brushing, knowing that even Alfa Romeos are not perfect. Is anything perfect in this world? It still beats stock supermarket toothpastes out there. Disappointing perhaps, yet a few minutes later, on the morning drive to work, I decide that the aftertaste left in my mouth is nonetheless positive. The mint powers through. Foot to the floor, I merge into the outside lane before gliding into top gear.

The cherry/chocolate scent and flavour are somewhat overpowered by the mint, which seems to be primarily spearmint. It's still a good toothpaste with the same lovely (and very unique) Marvis base.