I wish it was as simple as saying " gentle race "
I believe all bees are gentle at times, and mean as H---- at other times, particularly weather, and my dumb careless actions.
As far as the gene pool, the Queen will fly up to about 5 miles to breed, the Drone will fly 3-5 miles to breed so you are taking in a radius of up to 8-10 miles, that area can contain numerous genes, fereal and domesticated. To raise your own Queens is easy, selecting whom she mates with is another story.
Here's a little info. on Drones
http://www.montybees.org.uk/Wanting the best to start with is a great idea, however, I would start with a locally raised Nuc. for your first year,experience will help you improve for the future expansion.
Talk to your local beekeeper, join a bee club, the library has or can get books on beekeeping
Raising bees does require hands on work, so many newBees don't last into the 3'rd year, sorry to say.
Good Luck
Bee=Bop