Burgundy is the queen of French wine. The region lies along the Saône River in eastern France and stretches from just north of Lyon in its southern regions to just south of Dijon in the northern part. The region of Chablis, famed for its crisp non-barrel aged white wines, is also a part of Burgundy and lies halfway between Paris and Dijon near Auxerre. Burgundy is revered as the home of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well the practice of sur lie ageing in barrels for white wines. The northern parts of Burgundy are considered its top producers for premium wine. The southernmost region of Beaujolais is known for producing a distinct wine from the carbonic maceration of Gamay grapes called Beaujolais Nouveau. Burgundy possesses a ranking classification system that can be rather confusing for those not familiar with the region. The premium wines of Burgundy are highly prized and can be some of the most expensive in the world.