Charles de Gaulle was apparently known for his arms being up in the air like this, as part of his political gesturing, especially during WWII. "During every speech he would stop half way through to invite the crowd to join him in singing La Marseillaise, before continuing and finishing by raising his hands in the air and crying Vive la France!" [source: Wikipedia] Hence, his caricature being used to sell wine.
I can tell I'm American because the first thing *I* thought of when I saw this was: "Hey, just like Nixon!"
