> the whole territory of Tessir, Veltlin and South Graubunden.

I thought this was particularly interesting. Tessir (Ticcino) and Graubunden (Grison) are parts of Switzerland. Veltin used to be as well: 

> During the 16th, 17th and 18th century the Valtellina was part of Graubunden, which was then a country independent of Switzerland ... during 16th century rule by Graubunden, the region was known varyingly as Veltlin, Westtirol (West Tyrol) ... The Graubunden are known for a dried-beef delicacy called Bundnerfleisch and for a nut and honey pie known as Bundner Nusstorte.

So it appears that our Italian bee originated in a cold, snowy region that was once part of Switzerland

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