There's never a time when I don't enjoy sparkling wines; they're great all year 'round. But when warm weather finally sets in to stay, I especially enjoy lighter, lower alcohol effervescent (frizzante in Italian) wines from Italy. They're nice for sipping on the deck or patio and lend a festive air to the backyard barbecue. Here are a couple such wines to put a little spring in your step. 

Beni di Batasiolo Moscato d'Asti ($15.73) is soft and slightly sweet with flavors of overripe fruit. It pairs nicely with a range of desserts and also makes a good aperitif.

More fizzy yet is Ruffino Prosecco ($12.99), from one of Italy's most enduring and reliable winemakers, known mostly for their Chianti. Easy to spot with its egg yolk yellow label reminiscent of Veuve Clicquot, Ruffino Prosecco is extra-dry in style, crisp and clean, with ripe apple and pear aromas and hints of peaches on the tongue. This Prosecco pairs well with all sorts of food, from fried calamari to pizza, white meat dishes, and seafood.